Abstract: A control system in combination with a horizontal continuous caster includes a casting system drive motor having a control loop operative thereon which also includes a start of stroke board. A cam selection system provides for application of individual cam profiles to the control loop of the motor. A display system provides display of the individual applied cam profiles and actual casting motion. Additional monitoring systems provide direct control of multiple system functions during the casting process. The control system based on velocity versus time is simplified in construction and provides rapid and precise control.

Abstract: Molten metal is fed into a liquid-cooled horizontal caster through a ceramic nozzle to form a continuous wire or rod, that is drawn out of the exit end of the mold in incremental steps by a pair of intermittently-driven pinch rolls. The nozzle is preferably made of zirconium oxide, which is slightly porous and at temperatures above 1100.degree. F. has the property of allowing gas to pass through at a much greater rate than at lower temperatures. The nozzle is mechanically attached to the end of the liquid-cooled caster. A shroud, or manifold, surrounds the nozzle for at least a portion of its length, and also enclosed the interface between nozzle and caster. The manifold is supplied with a dry, inert gas such as argon, so that at elevated temperatures, any oxygen is purged from the pores of the zirconium oxide nozzle and is replaced by the inert gas, thereby eliminating any oxygen that would otherwise be present at the interface between the nozzle and the molten metal.

Abstract: A DC brush motor amplifier control includes a current switch power supply together with switching logic for operating the motor in response to a predetermined motor current signal. An encoder coupled to the DC brush motor provides a feedback signal used to control the motor operation. An overspeed detection system senses motor speeds in excess of a predetermined threshold and disables the switching logic to avoid overspeed failure.

Abstract: An improved, more economical mold for use in continuously casting metals or alloys comprises a mold tube and a pair of flanges, one flange peripherally disposed of and in abutting, liquid sealing relation with each end of the tube. Such sealing relation is preferably provided by a continuous knife-edged protrusion formed in and disposed peripherally of each flange and adapted to sealingly cooperate with a continuous shallow groove formed in and disposed peripherally of each end of the tube. Cooling means including a jacket and a baffle surround the tube between the flanges, and the baffle further defines a channel immediately circumjacent a substantial portion of the outer surface of the tube for directing a flow of cooling liquid about the tube in direct contact with such surface.

Abstract: A short mold for use in a continuous casting system includes a short taperless casting die coupled to a plurality of cooling plates having means for circulation of coolant therethrough arranged in a serially overlapping configuration in which the plates are individually moveable to accommodate variations of the casting. Hydraulic means are operative upon the cooling plates to assert a contact force and hold the cooling plates in contact with the surfaces of the casting. The individual plate motions provide for accommodation of the taper of the cooling casting.

Abstract: A moving plate aftercooler for use in a continous casting system includes a plurality of cooling plates having means for circulation of coolant therethrough arranged in a serially overlapping configuration in which the plates are individually moveable to accomodate variations of the casting. Hydraulic means are operative upon the cooling plates to assert a contact force and hold the cooling plates in contact with the surfaces of the casting. The individual plate motions provide for accomodation of the taper of the cooling casting. A serial arrangement of three aftercoolers which cooperate to provide a continuous partially flexible cooling passage is also shown.