Abstract: A continuous casting process and apparatus for feeding a molten metal into a mold from a metal supply system through a metal feeding duct, effecting a stepwise withdrawal of a continuous strand or casting from the mold for a measured length and simultaneously feeding a molten metal into the latter, producing a superpressure on the forming skin of casting at the side of molten metal at intervals between the casting withdrawal cycles. On completion of the withdrawal cycle, the molten metal is fed from the metal supply system to an auxiliary vessel prefilled with an inert gas, whereupon a preset pressure is built up in the molten metal inside the auxiliary vessel and in the casting being formed. Next, the molten metal is moved to and fro between the auxiliary vessel and the metal feeding duct of the metal supply system. As the casting is withdrawn from the mold for a given length, the molten metal is concurrently fed into the mold from the auxiliary vessel and from the metal supply system.

Abstract: The continuous metal casting method includes continuously forming a portion of an ingot in the open-ended mold of the primary cooling zone under pressure, with a cold junction being formed at the end of the portion. The portion of the ingot is intermittently drawn into the secondary cooling zone, to produce the ingot subdivided by the cold junctions into portions of a required length. In the intervals between the successive drawing cycles, the ingot is treated in the secondary cooling zone to effect constrained shrinkage, while producing in the cold junction areas a bending strain of a value not short of the yield strength of the metal. The plant includes a vessel for the metal to be cast, communicating with the open-ended mold of the primary cooling zone.

Abstract: An apparatus for withdrawing a metal casting from the mould of a continuous metal casting plant comprises a movable housing and cooled shoes disposed along the perimeter of the casting. Each shoe is provided with two pairs of wedges disposed between the shoe and the housing. One of the wedges of each pair is rigidly secured on the shoe. The other wedges of these pairs are connected with each other through a member adjustable in length and one of them also with a crossbar through a member of a constant length. The apparatus is also provided with a drive for pressing the shoes against the casting and a drive for withdrawing the casting from the mould, rods of hydraulic cylinders thereof being connected to the crossbar. The proposed invention makes it possible to improve the quality of a casting, increase the metal yield and to step up the rate of casting.