Abstract: A method for continuously casting grain oriented electrical steel is disclosed. This method utilizes a controlled rapid cooling step, such as one using a water spray, to control the grain orientation in the finished product. The product formed not only has the appropriate grain orientation but also has good physical properties, for example, minimized cracking. In this process, after a continuously cast electrical steel strip is formed, the strip undergoes an initial secondary cooling to from about 1150 to about 1250° C., and finally undergoes a rapid secondary cooling (for example, by water spray) at a rate of from about 65° C./second to about 150° C./second to a temperature of no greater than about 950° C.

Abstract: In a method for manufacturing a mold of a metal hot-runner injection molding machine, a temperature gradient of metal disposed in a nozzle between a heating device of the nozzle and a tip of the nozzle is measured. Then, an area in the nozzle is selected based on the measurement of the temperature gradient such that the metal in the nozzle upon a mold opening has a temperature at which a solidified condition of the metal can be stably maintained, where the temperature is close to a melting temperature of the metal. A gate cut portion is determined in the area.

Abstract: The present invention provides a manufacturing method for a continuously cast product of steel comprising the steps of: detecting a position of crater end of product by a method for measuring a solidification state of continuously cast product using a sensor arranged so as to be in non-contact with the product; and controlling at least one condition selected from the conditions of the casting speed and the quantity of secondary cooling water based on the detected position of crater end, the method for measuring a solidification state of continuously cast product comprising the steps of: cooling the product until a surface layer portion thereof is &agr; transformed; transmitting transverse waves of electromagnetic ultrasonic waves to the cooled product; receiving the signal after the transmitting signal propagates in the product; and judging the solidification state of the product based on the received signal.

Abstract: A model-based strategy is provided for determining casting roll operating temperature in a continuous thin strip casting process. A first temperature sensor produces a first temperature signal indicative of the temperature of cooling liquid supplied to the casting rolls and a second temperature sensor produces a second temperature signal indicative of the temperature of cooling liquid temperature exiting the casting rolls. A computer determines a heat flux value as a function of the first and second temperature signals, and computes the operating temperature of the casting rolls as a function of the heat flux value, the second temperature signal and a number of constants defined by fixed-valued operating parameters of the continuous thin strip casting process. A control strategy is also provided to modify one or more operating parameters of the continuous thin strip casting process as a function of the casting roll temperature.

Abstract: Steel strips and methods for producing steel strips are provided. In an illustrated embodiment, a method includes continuously casting molten low carbon steel into a strip of no more than 5 mm thickness having austenite grains that are coarse grains of 100-300 micron width; and providing desired yield strength in the cast strip by cooling the strip to transform the austenite grains to ferrite in a temperature range between 850° C. and 400° C. at a selected cooling rate of at least 0.01° C./sec to produce a microstructure that provides a strip having a yield strength of at least 200 MPa. The low carbon steel produced desired microstructure.

Abstract: Surface defects in rolled steel are remedied by quenching a surface layer of the steel product downstream of the caster and upstream of the reheat furnace by transversely differentiated quenching to match the transverse temperature profile of the steel product. The flow rate of the quench spray is differentially adjustable across the width and optionally the length of the steel product. An array of spray nozzles controlled in transversely or longitudinally arranged groups provides the quench spray.

Abstract: A method for process monitoring during die casting or vacuum thixoforming of metals in a mold, wherein the time lapse of temperature (T) is continuously measured on at least one point of the system and the temperature progression of the system is calculated in real time using a program. The time lapse of the heat flow (W) is calculated from the temperature progression of the system and the time lapse of the energy (U) of the system and the solidification heat portion (UE) of the metal solidified in the mold are calculated from the heat flow. At a given time, the calculated values are used as monitoring parameters.

Abstract: A method of controlling a hot face temperature of a copper plate of a mold for continuous casting of steel with variable casting rates and including: providing a bypass line for connecting a mold water outlet with a mold water inlet for obtaining, at the mold water inlet a mixture of heated mold water and cooled mold water, which mixture is fed into the mold as a cooling water having a chageable temperature depending on casting conditions; providing, at the mold water outlet, a two-way valve connectable with the bypass line and a heat exchanger for cooling the heated mold water for distributing the heated mold water between the bypass line and the heat exchanger with; and control of the operation of the two-way valve in accordance with the exit water temperature to maintain a constant predetermined water temperature at the mold water outlet, whereby a constant hot face temperature is maintained.

Abstract: With a device for a lateral containment of liquid steel between two crystalizing rolls of a casting machine for a stell strip, comprising a refractory skid 4 and a thrust unit 37 for the skid 4, there are provided at least 3 spaced steel plates P1, P1, Pi+1, . . . Pn successively arranged between the skid 4 and a thrust unit 37 and interconnected by means of fixing elements 12 in a staggered arrangement to optimise the contact conditions between the containing plates and the side faces of the corresponding rolls and to ensure excellent uniform pressure distribution on these plates in sliding contact with the rolls allowing the plates to adapt well to the reference surface of the rolls or working conditions. Each fixing element 12 that connects the plate Pi to next plate Pi+1 has associated thereto at least one pair of fixing elements 12 connecting the next plate Pi+1 to the following next plate Pi+2.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for preventing undesirable intensive cooling particularly of the strip edge areas of a cast strand resulting from running water emerging from the bottom opening of a secondary cooling chamber, wherein high-energy spray jets of a deflection medium are produced and directed against the emerging running water transversely of the strip edge areas of the cast strand, such that the running water is deflected from the strip edge areas and is discharged through outlet openings of the secondary cooling chamber arranged on both sides of the cast strand.

Abstract: [Purpose] To provide, in relation to casting of materials to be subjected to plastic working such as cold forging, hot forging, enclosed forging, rolling, extrusion, and roll-forming of metals, including nonferrous metals, such as aluminum and magnesium (inclusive of respective alloys), and ferrous metals (i.e., iron and steel) or to direct casting of products (i.e.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for controlling the temperature of a melt (10), preferably of a steel melt, in a distributing vessel (11), whereby the temperature of the melt is measured, the measured result is compared with a predetermined temperature range in the form of specified values, and as much heat is supplied or withdrawn from the melt such that the temperature remains inside said range. In order to control the melt temperature, a fireproof shaped part (20) which is closed on both sides and which is provided for accommodating a liquid cooled induction coil (1) is immersed in the melt (10). The transmission of heat is carried out by means of thermal conduction out of the wall of the shaped part (20) which is coupled to the induced electromagnetic field and/or by means of a direct coupling to the liquid melt (10).

Abstract: A process for casting a continuous metal strand, in particular steel, in a continuous casting apparatus having strand parts disposed opposite one another and being fitted with bearings in which guide rollers are mounted, and having actuators by which a gap between respective opposed rollers can be set infinitely variable, and which method includes sensing a value representing a compressive force which occurs in the bearings and feeding said value to a computing unit; comparing the individual measured force values of a roller or of a pair of oppositely disposed rollers with respect to a level of the force; and utilizing at least the relating highest value measured as a command variable for controlling the gap and/or the casting rate and/or the amount of cooling water and/or the melt feed and/or the casting powder feed and/or the mold oscillation.

Abstract: The present invention includes a method and apparatus for enhancing the quality of cast metal being cast in a continuous casting process. In particular, the method and apparatus of the present invention combines temperature and quality control sensing to achieve closed-loop control of the cooling of molten metal in a continuous caster.

Abstract: A method of measuring and regulating temperature and quantity of cooling water of a continuous casting mold flowing through water-coolable mold walls composed of copper plates, particularly mold walls which are independent of each other, wherein the cooling water temperature of a mold wall is measured at at least two locations in the area of the discharge openings of a copper plate and the corresponding water box. The flow velocity and the water pressure of the cooling system are adjusted in such a way that the lowest temperature in the area of the water discharge side or the water discharge opening of a copper plate is at the limit of the boiling temperature, and that for all higher temperatures a bubble evaporation at subcooled boiling of the cooling water is stimulated.

Abstract: A method of controlling a solidification rate of a molten liquid material within a casting chamber to form a solid structure upon controlled cooling thereof. The method includes provision of a stationary mold casting chamber having a plurality of sites with respective surface-temperature or heat flux sensors for determining respective site temperatures or heat withdrawal, and with respective independently operable temperature controllers for regulating each respective site temperature. A data base driven microprocessor receives sensor data and selectively and independently operates each controller in accord with algorithmic commands relative a cooling, and thus solidification, rate for the molten material.

Abstract: An improved process of operating a continuous casting mold of the type that includes at least one mold surface and at least one coolant passage that is in thermal communication with the mold surface includes determining based on at least one factor whether it would be most advantageous to direct coolant through the coolant passage in a first direction or in a second, opposite direction. For example, if the mold liner is beneath a predetermined thickness it may be advantageous to circulate the coolant so that it enters the water jacket and the coolant slots that are defined in the mold liner at the bottom and exiting from the top so that there is some prewarming of the coolant before it reaches the meniscus region. Conversely, if the mold liner is thicker it may be desirable to introduce the coolant at the top of the water jacket, thus enhancing the cooling effect in the meniscus region.

Abstract: Steel strips and methods for producing steel strips are provided. In an illustrated embodiment, a method includes continuously casting molten low carbon steel into a strip of no more than 5 mm thickness having austenite grains that are coarse grains of 100-300 micron width; and providing desired yield strength in the cast strip by cooling the strip to transform the austenite grains to ferrite in a temperature range between 850° C. and 400° C. at a selected cooling rate of at least 0.01 ° C./sec to produce a microstructure that provides a strip having a yield strength of at least 200 MPa. The low carbon steel produced desired microstructure.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for cooling and coating a mold in a continuous caster. The cooling of the mold is controlled in at least one of the x- or y-directions. The coating of the mold is accomplished subsequent to the cooling.

Abstract: In a process for thermal control of the copper plate of a continuous casting mold (1), said plate being the plate facing the steel, for different casting rates, copper plate thicknesses, casting formats, water quantities and water pressures, wherein a selectable mold coolant water temperature at the mold outlet (2) is maintained constant independent of casting velocity, the mold outlet temperature (24.1; 24.2) is measured and controlled using a pup joint (31) between the mold outlet (29) and the mold inlet (30) and a two-way valve (23) with a take-off for a partial quantity of the mold outlet water to a heat exchanger, and the hot mold outlet water is mixed/blended with the cooled mold outlet water and, depending on the casting conditions, temperature-controlled mold inlet water, whereby water quantity and water pressure is controlled using a pump device, is driven through the mold, whereby the mold water at the mold outlet exhibits a constant temperature.

Abstract: The invention relates to an aluminum sliding bearing alloy, comprising 3 to 6 mass % zinc, 0.3 to 2.0 mass % copper, 0.2 to 1.0 mass % magnesium, 0.3 to 2.0 mass % silicon and 2 to 4.5 mass % lead. According to the invention, said alloy is obtained by means of continuous casting with a minimum dimension, i.e. a strand thickness of more than 20 mm, solidifying in a mold which is indirectly cooled only, with a withdrawal speed of 1 to 5 mm/s and with a cooling speed of less than 100 K/s.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for preventing undesirable intensive cooling particularly of the strip edge areas of a cast strand resulting from running water emerging from the bottom opening of a secondary cooling chamber, wherein high-energy spray jets of a deflection medium are produced and directed against the emerging running water transversely of the strip edge areas of the cast strand, such that the running water is deflected from the strip edge areas and is discharged through outlet openings of the secondary cooling chamber arranged on both sides of the cast strand.

Abstract: To cool a strip rolled by a hot rolling mill using cooling banks installed on the run out table at the delivery side of the hot rolling mill, and to control the strip temperature in front of coiler to a preset target temperature, the strip is conceptually divided into segments or cooling units which have a length equal to the length of a single cooling bank, the temperatures of the segments are predicted, and the cooling banks are so controlled as to have the prediction temperatures coincide with preset target temperature. In this case, a feed-forward control of the cooling water flow rate in the cooling banks are made so that predictive temperatures on a real time basis of the temperatures of the cooling segments at the time when the segments are staying in the respective cooling banks coincide with the target temperatures.

Abstract: A method and a device for measuring and regulating the temperature and quantity of cooling water of a continuous casting mold which flows per unit of time through mold walls composed of copper plates which can be cooled by water, particularly independently of each other, wherein the cooling water temperature of a mold wall is measured at least at two locations in the areas of the outlet openings of a copper plate and the corresponding water box, a temperature profile is prepared from the values measured over the width of the copper plate, and the temperature profiles obtained in time intervals are compared to each other. Temperature sensors are arranged in the water discharge area between a copper plate and the cooling water outlet openings of the water box especially on each long side plate at least at two locations thereof, and the signal lines of the temperature sensors are connected to a computer, preferably with an on-line screen.

Abstract: The apparatus includes a chilling block and temperature measuring devices disposed in different positions. The output from the temperature measuring devices can be employed to provide ongoing control of cooling of the chilling block in x-, y- and/or z-directions.

Abstract: A method of controlling a temperature of a surface of a direct chill cast ingot cast in an open-ended mold provided with a bottom block during early stages of casting as the ingot emerges from the open-ended mold. The method involves the steps of directing a flow of a coolant onto at least one surface of an ingot emerging from an open-ended mold to impinge on the surface at a normal impingement point and to cool the surface, measuring a surface temperature on the emerging ingot at at least one measurement location which is at a predetermined position close enough to the normal impingement point to be affected by the secondary coolant, to generate a measured surface temperature, determining the displacement of the bottom block of the casting machine from its initial position at the start of the cast, corresponding to each the surface temperature measurement, and using the measured surface temperature to control a casting variable and thereby to control the temperature of the surface.

Abstract: The method includes the start up parameters are inputted into a device which controls the caster. Molten metal is cast in a moving mold and cooled by extracting heat from the moving mold, which in turn extracts heat from the molten metal. Casting parameters are obtained for a casting cycle and sent to the device which controls the cooling of the metal being cast. Data from one cycle is compared to data from a previous cycle and the cooling of the metal being cast is automatically controlled in response to the comparison of data.

Abstract: Apparatus for measurement of a temperature of a moving metal slab to provide a measured temperature indication corresponding to an actual temperature at a location on the surface of the slab.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for controlling the cooling of a strand in a continuous casting installation, in which the cooling or, respectively, the solidification behavior of the strand ensures by means of the quantity of cooling agent used for cooling the strand, whereby the required quantity of cooling agent is determined, constantly and in real time, dependent on a predetermined target temperature distribution. A cooling model is used with which a temperature distribution in the strand can be calculated from a quantity of cooling agent.

Abstract: A method of measuring the quenchability of a liquid coolant used to cool objects such as ingots produced by direct-chill casting. The method involves providing a sample of the liquid coolant; providing a probe for immersion in the sample, the probe having a temperature-sensing electrical device contained therein which generates an electrical response corresponding to temperature sensed; heating the probe in a gas, preferably by means of electrical resistance heating by a circuit which is electrically connected to the temperature-sensing electrical device, to a predetermined temperature measured by the electrical response of the temperature sensing device, immersing the probe into the sample and measuring the electrical response for a predetermined measurement period, and comparing the measured electrical response to a response of a reference liquid measured under equivalent conditions, to thereby determine the quenchability property of the liquid coolant.

Abstract: A process for operating a continuous casting plant with a continuous casting machine that has a stationary mold and is connected via a roller table to an equalizing furnace. After establishment of the slab format at the mold outlet, at least the casting parameter of casting speed is set so that the slab, upon entry into the equalizing furnace, has the desired roll temperature of the hot strip to be produced, and the lowest point of the liquid pool is always located in the mouth region of the continuous casting machine. Measures are taken to influence the heat energy content of the slab after it leaves the continuous casting machine.

Abstract: In producing thin slabs by continuous casting, a method is developed in which internal defects are reduced to improve a production yield. Narrow sides of cast slabs are cooled in a controlled manner to produce cast slabs having a projection in a center of each of the narrow sides to a height of 5-10 mm above the level of the edge portions, and squeeze reduction with a reduction of 10-45% is carried out while an unsolidified portion of the narrow sides of the slab is within 50-80% of the thickness of the cast slab.

Abstract: An improved continuous casting mold and foot guide assembly includes a mold having a casting passage defined therein, a frame member, mounting structure for mounting the frame member to the mold for relative movement toward and away from an axis of the casting passage, and a strand support member for providing support to a strand of continuously cast material as it emerges from the casting passage. Biasing structure is provided for biasing the frame member toward the axis of the casting passage and, advantageously, is positioned so as not to occupy space that is behind the frame member. As a result, the assembly is compatible with all models of casting machines and will be less susceptible to degradation as a result of radiant heat and steam that is emitted from the strand during operation. In addition, a load cell is provided for monitoring the amount of relative force between the frame member and the strand during operation.

Abstract: A liquid metal/solid metal interface detecting device comprises in general a radiation source for generating gamma radiation, which is directed to pass through a strand extruded from a continuous casting mold. A detector detects the gamma radiation passing through the partially solidified strand to determine a spatial profile for a liquid metal/solid metal interface by relying on the different gamma radiation attenuation characteristics of the solid metal and the liquid metal. Preferably, the gamma radiation is at energies of greater than one million electron volts. In some embodiments, a movable support carries the radiation source and the detector and moves the radiation source and detector along and around the ingot enabling generation of a three-dimensional profile of the liquid metal/solid metal interface by utilizing tomographic imaging techniques.

Abstract: Method for thermal surface treatment in line in a continuous casting machine associated with furnaces to heat hot-charge blooms, the method being applied to fine-grain structural steels and being suitable to obviate the precipitation of compounds of aluminum, vanadium, niobium and the like and to eliminate or at least to reduce greatly the surface faults due to tension, the method being carried out in a continuous casting line comprising at least a mould (13), a secondary cooling chamber (14), an extraction and straightening assembly (15) and a shearing assembly (17), the method being applied in cooperation with the extraction and straightening assembly (15) and including an intense, concentrated cooling of the surface of a bloom (19) passing through by applying a cooling fluid under pressure, which is water-based and is sprayed by a plurality of sprayer nozzles (18), the cooling being adapted to the dimensions of the bloom (19) and being such as to produce a surface temperature between about 400.degree. C.

Abstract: Guide roller units are made movable back and forth in the direction of thickness of a slab, allowing slab lagging covers to be inserted to and withdrawn from gaps formed between the guide roller units and the slab. Depending on the casting speed, those ones of the guide roller units and the slab lagging covers which are in proper positions are replaced from one to the other for selective use so that the respective lengths of a cooling zone and a heat keeping zone are adjusted to control the cooling rate of the slab in a positive manner. The slab temperature can be kept at a value capable of carrying out rolling regardless of change in the casting speed depending on variations in the amount of molten steel supplied.

Abstract: A liquid metal/solid metal interface detecting device comprises in general a radiation source for generating gamma radiation, which is directed to pass through a strand extruded from a continuous casting mold. A detector detects the gamma radiation passing through the partially solidified strand to determine a spatial profile for a liquid metal/solid metal interface by relying on the different gamma radiation attenuation characteristics of the solid metal and the liquid metal. Preferably, the gamma radiation is at energies of greater than one million electron volts. In some embodiments, a movable support carries the radiation source and the detector and moves the radiation source and detector along and around the ingot enabling generation of a three-dimensional profile of the liquid metal/solid metal interface by utilizing tomographic imaging techniques.

Abstract: In the manufacture of metal strip, the strip is cast in a caster (1) and it is then passed through a temperature control zone (5) where the temperature of the strip is brought to a predetermined level. To adjust the temperature of the strip, as its speed of passage through the temperature control zone varies, the temperature control means must be adjusted. Until operating conditions have stabilized, it is necessary to hang a part of the strip leaving the caster in a loop so as to accommodate variations in operating conditions.

Abstract: The method relates to a method for casting steels on arcuate continuous casting installations, a steel melt being passed through a water-cooled chill mold from which a steel product emerges which has solidified at the surface and is cooled by the action of coolants for the further solidification, deflected circularly over supporting rollers, and subsequently bent from the arc by means of multi-point bending equipment back into the horizontal. The force for straightening the arc-shaped steel product is calculated from the high-temperature properties of the steel determined from high-temperature tensile tests and from the temperature profiles of the steel product calculated from surface temperatures.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for automatically adjusting coolant flow rates in casting machines forming a continuous casting and rolling apparatus is disclosed.

Abstract: In a continuous casting mold for casting slabs of metal, the mold is cooled by sprays of coolant directed against the outside of the mold. The mold (11) is divided into four zones (zones 1, 2, 3 and 4) and the rates of heat extraction in the different zones are varied so as to obtain a substantially uniform rate of cooling and solidification of the metal being cast, thereby reducing or eliminating the incidence of face cracking in the cast slab.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for continuously monitoring the cooling capacity of a liquid coolant containing gas bubbles. The apparatus includes a measuring means for measuring the number density of the bubbles to infer the heat transfer characteristics of the liquid coolant, a control means for varying the amount of gas in the liquid coolant so that the number density is within a predetermined range and an electro-acoustic transducer in fluid contact with the liquid coolant capable of generating waves of sufficient intensity to cause cavitation in the liquid coolant in the area of the measuring means. In a preferred embodiment the electro-acoustic transducer is an ultrasonic horn.

Abstract: The method and the apparatus serve to cool cast billets made of an aluminum alloy after a homogenizing anneal.The billets emerging from a full-annealing furnace continuously one after the other in the longitudinal direction at a first temperature are guided in-line through a spray unit at a program-controlled feed rate and while being sprayed on all sides with the cooling medium in a program-controlled manner to reach an adjustable surface temperature. The internal and surface temperature of the billets are equalized a short time after leaving the spray unit.The spray unit for the billets (16) passing through in-line is equipped over its entire length and over the entire periphery of its inner space with nozzles which can be adjusted as a whole, in groups or individually.

Abstract: Process for secondary cooling of a metal product continuously cast on a machine in which secondary cooling is divided into n staggered independent zones, within which the flow of cooling fluid varies according to the speed of the product. An undesired change in the surface temperature of the product at a point HD of the metallurgical length of the machine, such as the straightening point, due to a foreseen or foreseeable variation starting at the time t.sub.vo, in the casting speed, is compensated for by anticipation. A determination is made, by means of the casting speed, of the time t.sub.o at which commences, at the upper part of the ingot mold, the portion of product which, at the time tvo, will reach the point HD; a further determination is made of the times t.sub.1, . . . , t.sub.1, . . . , t.sub.n at which the portion commencing at t.sub.o will emerge from the zones 1, . . . . i. . . . ,n of the secondary cooling; and, from the time t.sub.

Abstract: A method for continuously monitoring and/or controlling the cooling capacity of a liquid coolant containing gas bubbles. The method comprising the steps of: (a) measuring the size and number density of the gas bubbles it he liquid coolant by use of a sensor means to infer a heat transfer characteristic of the liquid coolant; and (b) varying the amount of gas that is being mixed with the liquid coolant so that the inferred heat transfer characteristic is within a predetermined range.

Abstract: A steel strand having a thickness of 40 to 50 mm in cast in an oscillating mold for continuous casting at a speed of 2 to 20 m/min. The not yet completely solidified steel strand emerging from the mold is squeezed to such an extent that the inner walls of the already solidified strand shell are welded to one another. After the steel strand reduced in thickness in this way has been cooled to 1000.degree. to 1200.degree. C., the strip is rolled out in at least one pass with a 5 to 85% degree of deformation.

Abstract: In the representative embodiment described in the specification, continuous casting of fine-grain ingots is effected by supplying molten metal to a mold in which the metal is solidified and an ingot is withdrawn downwardly and controlling the temperature in the central region of the molten metal above the ingot at a level at which small crystallites of metal are formed, but large quantities of solid material are not formed. The desired temperature level may be maintained by visual observation of the surface of the metal or pyrometric detection of the temperature of the surface and control of a directional energy input device such as an electron beam gun or a plasma torch to supply sufficient energy to maintain the desired temperature level.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for monitoring the liquid/solid interface position of an alloy ingot being formed by either direct chill or electromagnetically enhanced direct chill casting systems comprising an inductive sensor wire disposed about the mold wall of the casting system, driving the sensor wire to cause a magnetic flux to penetrate into the ingot, and sensing the change in the impedance or components of the impedance of the system. Monitoring the liquid/solid interface position allows ready adjustment to operating controls, such as, containment/stirring inductors, cooling systems and casting parameters, thereby producing a desirable ingot.

Abstract: A process for controlling the rate of cooling an ingot emerging from a continuous casting mold, said ingot being cooled by application of a fluid coolant directly onto the ingot surface, comprises continuous measurement of the cooling capacity and influencing the composition and/or the quantity of coolant employed per unit time i.e. in the sense of matching up to the required coolant capacity. As such the measurement of the coolant capacity is performed at least at one place outwith the ingot and using coolant not coming into contact with the ingot.

Abstract: A method and belt composition for improving the performance and flatness of thin revolving flexible casting belts of continuous casting machines wherein at least one wall of the moving mold is provided by a thin flexible endless metallic casting belt having a permanent insulative coating with fluid-accessible porosity in this permanent coating. Contrary to prior methods and apparatus which have sought to protect the wide thin casting belts, the present method for improving belt flatness and performance involves providing a Helium-containing gaseous film between the metal and the front face of the casting belt which is coated with a permanent insulative porous coating.