Abstract: A casting roll (11) on which to cast molten metal comprises central shaft (12), an outer circumferential wall (14) fitted over cylindrical mandrel (15) and roll end walls (16). Longitudinal wall (14) is cooled by water passed through longitudinal passages (22) in that wall. The cooling water is passed to and from passages (22) through passages (23) in the central shaft, radial passages (24) in the end walls (16) and transition passages (25) interconnecting the radial passages with the longitudinal passages. In order to promote cooling of the end corners (31) of the roll, transition passages (25) extend in smoothly curved bends into regions of the roll disposed both radially and longitudinally outwardly from the intersection directions of the longitudinal passages (22) and radial passages (24) so as to provide for water flow close to the roll comers (31) without formation of stagnation pockets.

Abstract: This invention concerns a sintered article for a sheath in an apparatus for continuous casting of a thin sheet and a sheath using the sintered article. The sintered article comprises boron nitride, zirconium oxide, and at least one member selected from the group consisting of aluminum nitride and aluminum borate and combines resistance to thermal shock, lubricity, and strength. The sheath is formed of the sintered article and, therefore, enjoys the prominent properties of the sintered article.