Abstract: In the continuous casting of an ingot of rectangular cross-section, the formation of convexly curved surfaces on the wider faces of the ingot is avoided, along the full length of the ingot, by progressively increasing the gap at least between the mid-points of the longer sides of the rectangular mould, without substantially altering the gap between the ends of said sides, as the rate of advance of the ingot through the mould increases from a relatively low initial speed. The mould is cooled and coolant is applied directly to the surface of ingot emerging from the mould. In an apparatus for putting the above method into practice, means is provided for varying the curvature of the long side walls of the mould progressively during a casting operation by the application of a flexing force arranged symmetrically with respect to the mid-point of each of the long sidewalls, the ends of the said side walls being restrained from transverse movement.

Abstract: In the direct chill semi-continuous casting of an ingot of rectangular cross-section, the formation of convexly curved surfaces on the wider faces of the ingot is avoided, along the full length of the ingot, by progressively increasing the gap at least between the mid-points of the longer sides of the rectangular mould, without substantially altering the gap between the ends of said sides, as the rate of advance of the ingot through the mould increases from a relatively low initial speed. The mould is cooled and coolant is applied directly to the surface of ingot emerging from the mould. In an apparatus for putting the above method into practice, means is provided for varying the curvature of the long side walls of the mould progressively during a casting operation by the application of a flexing force arranged symmetrically with respect to the mid-point of each of the long sidewalls, the ends of the said side walls being restrained from transverse movement.