Abstract: A method of shielding metal slabs from heat loss during inter-stand transport in a rolling mill with an inverted channel-shaped heat-insulating housing. The housing is sited over the roller table at a first position adjacent an upstream mill stand and is so dimensioned as to accommodate a slab entering through the trailing end of the housing as it issues from the stand; control means is provided operable (a) to cause the housing to travel along the table with the slab, (b) to arrest the housing adjacent the downstream mill stand whereby the slab exits thereto through the leading end of the housing and (c) to return to its said first position.

Abstract: A method of processing steel slabs in which the slabs are continuously routed through a furnace to a slabbing mill the slabs being sequentially charged through the bottom of the furnace by a reciprocating mechanism whereby on the upward stroke the slab charged engages and lifts the slabs piled above it and is then securely held (via jaws) until engaged itself in the next cycle by the succeeding slab. The top slab is discharged during each cycle whereby the number of slabs in the pile in consistent and all are heated on their exposed surfaces during their period in the furnace.This invention maximises the use of the residual heat from the cast slab where `sizing` is to be performed.