Abstract: Continuous casting apparatus includes opposing sets of rollers defining a guide path for a cast section emanating from a mould outlet. A key-piece is keyed to the leading end of the cast section at the mould outlet in a conventional manner. A detachment member is mounted at the end of the guide path for entrainment by the key-piece. The entrained detachment member is constrained to move in a path which has a component directed transversely of the feed direction of the cast section. In this way a releasing force is applied to the key-piece by the feed movement of the cast section.