Abstract: A caster including a device for delivering a gas into a space created by the apparatus that define the mold of the caster and the nozzle of the caster. Introducing a gas into the space resists backflowing and freezing of the molten metal to the nozzle. An associated method is also disclosed.

Abstract: Casting process and device for the continuous casting of strip and thin slabs or rods whereby at least one wall of a casting mold is formed by a flexible open-end casting belt which travels from a coil through the mold is coiled up again after passing through the mold. The belt is submitted to a tensile force acting in the direction of its path of motion and so intensely that the belt, when it is heated up in the mold, is stressed beyond its elastic limit as to cause the belt to be strained to the extent that the growth of its cross-sectional area resulting from thermal expansion is sufficiently compensated for by the reduction of its cross-section due to the strain in the belt. Thereby an inadmissable deformation of the belt due to its thermal expansion is prevented.

Abstract: A flow of coolant is injected or blown into spaces bounded by a cast strip the point of minimal separation between the rolls, and the rolls themselves. The coolant is injected or blown by means of nozzles disposed on both sides of the strip. In the case of an asymmetric emergence of the strip due to increased adhesion to one of the rolls, the resulting asymmetric conditions cause the strip to continually be redirected into a symmetric position. This stabilizing effect renders it possible to achieve a much greater length of contact between the cast metal and the rolls and consequently to realize the essential increase of the production rate of the casting line.

Abstract: In a casting nozzle, tubes are placed between a bar-shaped mouthpiece and a distribution bar, which connect holes in the mouthpiece and the distribution bar to allow for the flow of the melt. Pulling rods which are under tension, are anchored to the mouthpiece and to the distribution bar and press these parts elastically against the ends of the tubes in such a manner that the nozzle components are elastically braced, yet remain flexible and can adjust freely to heat dilatations or inaccuracies which occur in fabrication or assembly. The nozzle components, particularly the tubes, are easy to obtain and to exchange. Due to the fact that the pulling rods enter the mouthpiece from its back side and are anchored therein, the mouthpiece can be very slender, thus allowing for thin casting.

Abstract: A side dam consisting of elements is arranged laterally of the casting nozzle and the casting mold. The side dam with the elements travels over two pulleys. Each element consists of a carrier and an easily exchangeable block which is connected to the carrier. Each carrier is supported at one end on a guide rail and a pulley by way of a foot and is swivel mounted at the other end to the foot of the neighboring element by way of a connection rod. By these measures optimum conditions are provided so that the side dam travels at a constant speed, despite the application of relatively long elements. Defect blocks can be exchanged during operation. The side dam's plane of motion is parallel to the mold wall's planes of motion and the side dam can herewith be adjusted at any desired depth between the casting mold walls, whereby the width of the cast product is determined.

Abstract: Prior to reaching the nozzle's exit, the belt is pressed from outward against the nozzle by means of a rail supported by springs whereby the mould is reliably sealed off under all working conditions. Pressing the belt against the nozzle can also be achieved by means of pistons or the direct hydrostatic and/or hydrodynamic effect of the coolant from the outside or through various combined measures. In order to reduce friction and wear, the nozzle in the area of contact with one belt can be provided with a wear-resistant coating or wear-resistant inserts. This sealing method enables a casting process with high metallostatic pressure, consequently resulting in a high quality product.

Abstract: Rods are placed into axially arranged grooves of the roll core. These rods protrude radially from the roll surface and the roll shell is shrink-fitted onto the rods. Due to the creeping movement of the roll shell which is a result of periodical heating and cooling thereof, the inside surface of the shell and the interfacing outside surface of each rod are subject to wear. Whenever this wear has proceeded beyond a tolerable limit the rods are replaced, whereafter a new shell with a normal inside diameter is again shrink-fitted onto the rods. Thereby the rod's and the shell's dimensions must never be changed. The roll core is not subject to wear. Stock-keeping and fabrication are particularly simplified due to the fact that the dimensions of the replacement parts never change.