Abstract: The present invention features a computer-implemented method of planning a processing path relative to a three-dimensional workpiece for a plasma arc cutting system coupled to a robotic arm. The method includes receiving input data from a user comprising (i) Computer-Aided Design (CAD) data for specifying a desired part to be processed from the three-dimensional workpiece, and (ii) one or more desired parameters for operating the plasma arc cutting system. A plurality of features of the desired part to be formed on the three-dimensional workpiece are identified based on the CAD data. The method also includes dynamically filtering a library of cut charts based on the plurality of features and the desired operating parameters to determine a recommended cut chart for processing the plurality of features. The method further includes generating the processing path based on the recommended cut chart and the plurality of features to be formed.

Abstract: The present invention features a computer-implemented method of planning a processing path relative to a three-dimensional workpiece for a plasma arc cutting system coupled to a robotic arm. The method includes receiving input data from a user comprising (i) Computer-Aided Design (CAD) data for specifying a desired part to be processed from the three-dimensional workpiece, and (ii) one or more desired parameters for operating the plasma arc cutting system. A plurality of features of the desired part to be formed on the three-dimensional workpiece are identified based on the CAD data. The method also includes dynamically filtering a library of cut charts based on the plurality of features and the desired operating parameters to determine a recommended cut chart for processing the plurality of features. The method further includes generating the processing path based on the recommended cut chart and the plurality of features to be formed.

Abstract: The present invention features a computer-implemented method of planning a processing path relative to a three-dimensional workpiece for a plasma arc cutting system coupled to a robotic arm. The method includes receiving input data from a user comprising (i) Computer-Aided Design (CAD) data for specifying a desired part to be processed from the three-dimensional workpiece, and (ii) one or more desired parameters for operating the plasma arc cutting system. A plurality of features of the desired part to be formed on the three-dimensional workpiece are identified based on the CAD data. The method also includes dynamically filtering a library of cut charts based on the plurality of features and the desired operating parameters to determine a recommended cut chart for processing the plurality of features. The method further includes generating the processing path based on the recommended cut chart and the plurality of features to be formed.

Abstract: Lateral seal of a casting gap formed between two casting rollers of a strip casting machine that can be placed against the casting rollers on the front face. The lateral seal includes a first moist part and a second part that is assigned to the front faces of the casting rollers. The second part forms a type of snout shape encompassing two legs which extend along the front faces of the casting rollers, join each other at the bottom, above a kissing point, so as to form a common area, and between which the first part protrudes from above. An insulating layer which separates the two parts from each other is inserted between the first and second part.

Abstract: Disclosed is a lateral seal of a casting gap formed between two casting rollers of a strip casting machine. Said lateral seal can be placed against the casting rollers on the front face. The inventive lateral seal (10) comprises a first moist part (12) and a second part (13) that is assigned to the front faces of the casting rollers (1, 2). Said second part (13) forms a type of snout shape encompassing two legs which extend along the front faces of the casting rollers, join each other at the bottom, above a kissing point, so as to form a common area, and between which the first part (12) protrudes from above. An insulating layer (18) which separates the two parts (12, 13) from each other is inserted between said first and second part.

Abstract: An apparatus serves for the continuous surface cleaning of rotationally movable casting rolls (2, 3) of a strip-casting machine. A plurality of laser beam units (25) are arranged on the circumference of the respective casting roll (2, 3), which laser beam units (25) are arranged next to one another, are distributed over the casting-roll length and by means of which the casting-roll surface (2a, 3a) can be acted upon with one or more laser beams over the entire casting-roll length. Additional cleaning units (30, 31, 35, 45) for the mechanical cleaning of the casting-roll surface are advantageously connected ahead of and/or behind the laser beam units (25). This makes gap-free and regular surface cleaning of the casting rolls possible.

Abstract: An apparatus serves for the continuous surface cleaning of rotationally movable casting rolls (2, 3) of a strip-casting machine. A plurality of laser beam units (25) are arranged on the circumference of the respective casting roll (2, 3), which laser beam units (25) are arranged next to one another, are distributed over the casting-roll length and by means of which the casting-roll surface (2a, 3a) can be acted upon with one or more laser beams over the entire casting-roll length. Additional cleaning units (30, 31, 35, 45) for the mechanical cleaning of the casting-roll surface are advantageously connected ahead of and/or behind the laser beam units (25). This makes gap-free and regular surface cleaning of the casting rolls possible.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for extending the casting cycle for the two-roll strip casting of a steel strip, with in-line rolling thereof, said steel strip being rolled in at least two successive rolling units (1, 2) of a rolling mill comprising replaceable working rolls (5a, 5b, 6a, 6b). The aim of the invention is to be able to carry out the casting process independently from the roll replacement. To this end, the working rolls (6a, 6b) of one rolling unit (2) are replaced during the casting, below or above the steel strip (23). The invention also relates to an installation for carrying out the method, by which means the working rolls (6a, 6b) can be lifted off the steel strip (23) by means of lifting devices (17) so as not to damage the strip during the replacement of the rolls.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of operating a strip casting machine for producing a metal strip, during which molten metal is continuously poured between two casting rolls (1, 2) that form a casting gap. Lateral seals (10) having sealing plates (11) are provided for laterally delimiting the casting gap, whereby the sealing plates (11) are placed or pressed with a preset placement or pressing force, whose magnitude can be set, against the end surfaces of the casting rolls (1, 2). The sealing plates (11) are, in repeatable stop-and-go steps, placed with a preset force and time against the end surfaces of the casting rolls (1, 2) and are held in the placing position for a preset time. This enables a distinct reduction in the wear of the sealing plates and of the casting roll end surfaces.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for producing a metal strip, whereby molten is continuously poured between two casting rolls (1, 2) of a strip casting machine with rolls. Above the molten bath (4) and respectively proximate to the molten bath (5) casting rolls (1, 2) transition surface a rotating magnetic field is produced which generates, in the molten metal, local turbulent flows, so that a surface current is formed in said molten metal, which surface current is directed by the casting rolls (1, 2) towards the central plane (E) of the molten bath (4), that is towards the plane for output of the metal strip (8), thereby enabling to largely prevent supernatant impurities at the surface of the molten bath and oxides located on the surface of the rolls from being deposited, and the molten metal particles from being prematurely solidified.

Abstract: The invention relates to a casting roller (1), for a double-roller continuous casting machine, in particular for the casting of a steel strip, comprising a cylinder sleeve (2) which may rotate about a fixed axle (5). Intermediate rings (7b, 7c, 7d) rotating with the cylinder sleeve (2) are arranged between the cylinder sleeve (2) and the axle (5), which are provided with radial pressure means (9), acting on the cylinder sleeve (2). The above comprise a pressure chamber (10), pressurised with a fluid pressure medium and acting on a pressure ring (24) fixed to the inner wall of the cylinder sleeve (2), which may be deformed in the radial direction by inductive heating or radiated heat. The external profile of the casting roller (1) may be globally altered or local fine adjustments made by pressurizing the pressure chamber (10) with the pressure medium, or by heating the pressure ring (24).

Abstract: The reliable sealing of a gap (10), between a roller front face (7) and a side seal (3) on a roller-strip-casting machine is achieved by the generation of an electrical eddy field in the region of the gap (10), such as to produce a local gradient field (13). The eddy currents generated in the metal melt for casting prevent the ingress of the metal into the gap (10) or eject the metal from the gap (10). The risk of escape of liquid metal is essentially eliminated and the formation of ridges on the narrow edge of the metal strip avoided.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for producing a metal strip, whereby molten metal is continuously poured between two casting rolls (1, 2) of a strip casting machine with rolls. Above the molten bath (4) and respectively proximate to the molten bath (5)/casting rolls (1, 2) transition surface a rotating magnetic field is produced which generates, in the molten metal, local turbulent flows, so that a surface current is formed in said molten metal, which surface current is directed by the casting rolls (1, 2) towards the central plane (E) of the molten bath (4), that is towards the plane for output of the metal strip (8), thereby enabling to largely prevent supernatant impurities at the surface of the molten bath and oxides located on the surface of the rolls from being deposited, and the molten metal particles from being prematurely solidified.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for operating a strip casting machine (10), whereby molten metal (18) is poured between two rotatable casting rolls (11, 12). A gaseous film (G) is formed between the respective surfaces (11′, 12′) of the casting rolls and the strip skin (D1, D2, D3) forming on the molten metal, the gas being introduced essentially into the inerting chamber (24) above the metal bath. During the casting, a controlled quantity of a gas consisting of argon, nitrogen and/or another gas is introduced into the inerting chamber (24) in such a way that the heat transfer from the strip skin to the casting rolls (11, 12) can be influenced by the thickness of the gaseous film (G) in such a way that the surfaces (11, 12′) of the casting rolls can be provided with or without cavities (51). A smooth surface can thus also be obtained on the strip cast.

Abstract: The invention relates to a strip casting machine for production of a metal strip, comprising two adjacent case-width casting rollers (22, 24), forming a casting gap (15′), with side seals (25) arranged on the front face thereof. The rotating casting rollers are mounted on a machine mount (32). Between the above and the side seals (25), the metal melt, introduced by means of at least one casting tube (13), or similar, is protected by at least one gaseous medium. At least said casting rollers (22, 24) are surrounded on at least the case width and front face thereof as well as the side seals by a preferably multi-component housing (30, 60, 80). An optimal sealing of the casting rollers as well as the metal strip and the metal strip appearing from between the rollers can thus be achieved in a simple manner.

Abstract: A mold for hot-top vertical continuous casting of metals includes a feed head (8) made of a thermally insulating refractory material which surmounts a cooled copper crystallizer (9) and is internally aligned with a cooled copper element (14) of the cooled copper crystallizer (9) in order to define a calibrating passage for the cast metal. The copper element (14) is formed by an assembly of plates, some of which, termed “large walls”, are each held against a reinforcing backplate (16) to which it is rigidly fastened by a clamp (22), the shape of which is elongate in the width direction of the large wall and which goes over the top of the large wall and its associated backplate.

Abstract: The nozzle includes a chimney whose upper end is connected to the output nozzle of a vessel containing liquid metal and whose lower end is connected to a terminal part of the nozzle provided with outlets for distributing liquid metal into the casting space defined by the mold. The terminal part includes, in its upper region, at least one opening for allowing the reheating of the inside of the terminal part by a burner. The nozzle is particularly adapted for use with a bottomless mold having intensively internally cooled walls, and is preferably made of a refractory material.

Abstract: The device includes two rolls (10, 11) held by bearings (13, 14) on a frame (16) and, for each roll, devices (22) for measuring the position of the generatrix diametrically opposite the neck between the rolls, at three or more points lying respectively in a mid-plane (P.sub.3) perpendicular to the axes and in secondary planes such as (P1, P5) parallel to the mid-plane, and means (23) for measuring, in the said mid-plane, the position of a generatrix lying at 90.degree. to the neck. The method according to the invention uses these measurements to determine continuously the gap between the rolls, taking into account the in-service deformations of the rolls.

Abstract: The twin-roll continuous casting device comprises two counterrotating rolls (1, 2), having parallel axes, defining between them a casting space (5), and a shroud (4) placed above the casting space and including two longitudinal walls (41) which extend respectively along the surface of each roll. Each wall (41) includes two gas inlet pipes (45, 46) which include openings emerging towards the said surfaces, these pipes being mutually parallel and adjacent to the surface of the roll, and are separated by pressure-drop seals (50, 64) so that the flow of gas supplied by the pipe (45) lying upstream, in relation to the direction of rotation of the roll, is exclusively directed towards the outside of the shroud, the flow supplied by the pipe (46), located further downstream, being directed towards the casting space. Application especially to the twin-roll continuous casting of thin steel strip.

Abstract: A strip is continuously cast between rolls that includes a pair of rolls driven in rotation, two side dams urged against the ends of the rolls, and a jack for pressing the side dams against the rolls. The thrust force on the side dams is measured and the friction force exerted on the side dams by the rolls as a result of the rolls rotating is measured. From these measurements of thrust and friction forces, a coefficient representative of friction conditions between each of the surfaces of contact between the side dams and rolls is deduced and casting parameters are adjusted in response to the contact state between the surfaces.