Abstract: The invention relates to a method for continuous direct casting of a metal strip, whereby said strip is cast by solidification of liquid metal in an ingot mould with cooled moving walls and a hot rolling of said strip is carried out in line, characterised in that a product is applied to the surface of the strip on exit from the ingot, which leaves a layer of lubricant on the surface when the strip is hot rolled and which causes a gas to be given off which contributes to the protection of said surface from oxidation. The invention further relates to a continuous direct casting plant for a thin metal strip, of the type comprising an ingot mould with moving cooled walls, where the solidification of said strip takes place and an in-line hot rolling unit for said solidified strip, characterised in comprising means for application of a product to the surface of said strip at the exit from the ingot, which leaves a layer of lubricant on the surface at the entry to the hot rolling unit.

Abstract: A process for the production of austenitic stainless steel strips having as case a good weldability, comprising the operations of: solidification in a mold of a continuous casting apparatus with twin counterrotatng rolls, a strip having a thickness comprised between 1 to 5 mm and having the following composition in percent by weight: Cr 17-20; Ni 6-11; c<0.04; n<0.04; s<0.01; Mn<1.5; Si<1.0; Mo 0-3; Al<0.03; and possibly, Ti, Nb, Ta so that: Ti+0.5(Nb+Ta)>6C-3S with proviso that Ti>6S, or NB+Ta>1C with the proviso that TI<6S; being in any case Nb+Ti+Ta<1.0; the remaining part being substantially Fe with a &dgr;-ferrite volume percentage comprised between 4 and 10% calculated with the formula: &dgr;-ferrite=(Creq/Nieq−0.728)×500/3 wherein: Creq/Nieq=[Cr+Mo+1.5Si+)0.5Nb+0.25Ta+2.5(Al+Ti)+18]/[Ni+30(C+N)+0.