Abstract: A method for manufacturing casting molds, in particular continuous casting molds which are used with an electromagnetic rabbling mechanism in the continuous casting of steel, is provided. The method comprises selecting a specified age-hardenable copper alloy to have a Ni content from 0.1 to 2.0% which allows the electrical conductivity of the copper alloy to be adjusted from 80 to 35 IACS. The method further comprises melting, casting, hot-rolling, solution heat treating and rapidly cooling the copper alloy, followed by age-hardening, wherein the mold has a tensile strength of at least 430 N/mm2, is highly thermally conductive and exhibits low magnetic field damping. A method of using an age-hardenable copper alloy is also provided.

Abstract: To continuously cast thin slabs or round ingots from copper alloys, which slabs or ingots have a thickness of 8 to 40 mm, the present method electromagnetically agitates the melt found inside the ingot mold. By properly dimensioning the agitator coil, the agitation power inside the melt is limited to within a range of about 0.5 to 100 W/cm3, while the pull-off rate of the casting strand is limited to within a range of 0.05 to 1.3 m/min. The copper alloys contain up to a maximum of 1% of one element selected from the group consisting of iron, cobalt, manganese, zinc, zirconium, chromium, molybdenum and niobium.

Abstract: The trouble free operation of a continuous casting process utilizing a moving electromagnetic field for levitation requires information of sufficient accuracy concerning the position and extent of the solidification front inside the continuous casting die. The method and structure according to the invention for monitoring the solidification process employs signals from at least two sensor coils arranged concentrically around the continuous casting die. These signals are fed to a measuring transducer and processed in an appropriate manner. The configuration of the sensor coils inside the levitation coil generating the moving field is particularly preferred.