Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing foundry ingots (1) from metal, in particular from steel, having a cross-sectional area of more than 0.1 m2, wherein liquid metal (2) is discharged into an ingot mold (15) open at the bottom either directly form a casting ladle (11) or via a tundish (12), and wherein, by a drawing piston (28), which is vertically movable in the direction of a longitudinal axis (5) of the foundry ingot (1) and on which the foundry ingot (1) is at least indirectly arranged, the at least partially solidified foundry ingot (1) is drawn from the ingot mold (15) in the direction of the longitudinal axis (5).

Abstract: There are provided a manufacturing method of a casting capable of easily manufacturing a casting having a complex form and of increasing the degree of freedom of form of the casting to be manufactured, a manufacturing device thereof and a casting. At the time of forming a casting by drawing out molten metal from a bath surface of a molten metal bath and solidifying the molten metal which has been drawn out, an outer contour unit configured from a plurality of outer contour defining members for defining the outer contour of a casting is arranged in a region between the bath surface of the molten meth bath and a solid region where the molten metal is solidified and the molten metal which has been drawn out from the bath surface is drawn out through a region determined by the outer contour unit, and the form of the casting is changed by moving at least one of the plurality of outer contour defining members according to the drawing out of the molten metal.

Abstract: A method for operating a continuous casting machine (1) at the start of casting, at the end of casting and when producing a transitional piece (21) for improving the quality of the ends of the strand (16, 18), and protecting the machine from damage. At the start of casting, perform the following additional method steps: recording a position of the beginning of the strand (16) in the strand guide (4); after the beginning of the strand (16) and after an upper end (17a) of the beginning region of the strand (17), has passed a pair of adjustable strand guiding rollers (5) adjusting the roller pair to touch the strand (2); cooling the beginning region of the strand (17) by the cooling nozzle (10) delivering an amount of coolant Q less than a nominal amount of coolant Qnom to the beginning region of the strand (17); and cooling the main part of the strand (20) by the cooling nozzle (10) delivering an amount of coolant Q that is substantially equal to Qnom to the main part of the strand (20).

Abstract: An exemplary embodiment provides a method of eliminating a shrinkage cavity in a metal ingot cast by direct chill casting. The method involves casting an upright ingot having an upper surface at an intended height. Upon completion of the casting, the lower tip of the spout is maintained below the molten metal near the center of the upper surface. The metal flow through the spout is terminated and a partial shrinkage cavity is allowed to form as metal of the ingot shrinks and contracts. Before the partial cavity exposes the lower tip of the spout, the cavity is preferably over-filled with molten metal, while avoiding spillage of molten metal, and then the flow of metal through the spout is terminated. These steps are repeated until no further contraction of the metal causes any part of the upper surface to contract below the intended ingot height.

Abstract: A method of continuous casting a beam blank adapted for impact absorption is disclosed. The method includes: introducing molten steel into a continuous casting mold from a tundish through an immersion nozzle to perform non-oxidation casting, wherein the immersion nozzle is disposed at one side of the continuous casting mold forming both side flanges of a beam blank, and the molten steel is introduced into the continuous casting mold through the immersion nozzle. The method is advantageous in that it is possible to produce steel adapted for low-temperature impact absorption, and productivity is improved due to the increase of the number of consecutive heats of continuous casting.

Abstract: The invention relates to a dummy bar (1) for a continuous casting installation for casting a metal strand, including a dummy bar head (2), a transition piece (3) and a link chain (4), wherein the transition piece (3) and/or the link chain (4) are made of a plurality of links (5, 6) that are connected to each other in an articulated manner, and wherein the links (5, 6) can be pivoted relative to each other about a transverse axis (Q) extending perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (L) of the dummy bar (1). In order to particularly prevent internal stresses in the dummy bar when replacing parts of the dummy bar, the invention provides for at least one articulated joint (7) to be configured between two links (5, 6) that are connected to each other in an articulated manner, such that said joint allows a relative pivoting movement of the links (5, 6) about the transverse axis (Q) that is greater than any pivot angle (?) occurring during the use of the dummy bar (1).

Abstract: The invention relates to a dummy bar (1) for a continuous casting installation for casting a metal strand, including a dummy bar head (2), a transition piece (3) and a link chain (4), wherein the transition piece (3) and/or the link chain (4) are made of a plurality of links (5, 6) that are connected to each other in an articulated manner, and wherein the links (5, 6) can be pivoted relative to each other about a transverse axis (Q) extending perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (L) of the dummy bar (1). In order to particularly prevent internal stresses in the dummy bar when replacing parts of the dummy bar, the invention provides for at least one articulated joint (7) to be configured between two links (5, 6) that are connected to each other in an articulated manner, such that said joint allows a relative pivoting movement of the links (5, 6) about the transverse axis (Q) that is greater than any pivot angle (?) occurring during the use of the dummy bar (1).

Abstract: In melting and casting by a water-cooled crucible induction melting technique, a partition means is inserted on top portion of a melt, and a new raw material for is charged on an upper side of the partition means to continue the melting and casting. Therefore, the continuous casting can be kept while avoiding mixture of the melt on a lower side of with the melt on an upper side of the partition means. A partition plate or a partition plate with legs can be used as the partition means. When the present invention is applied to production of a silicon ingot used for a solar cell and the like, productivity is largely improved, which allows costs to be remarkably reduced in solar energy generation. Therefore, the present invention can widely be utilized as the method for casting a polycrystalline-silicon ingot for a solar cell.

Abstract: A molten metal mold and bottom block system, including apparatus and method embodiments, which may include a mold cavity framework with a first side, a second side opposite the first side, a third side, and a fourth side opposite the third side, each side including an inner surface and the inner surfaces defining a mold cavity, and wherein one or more of the sides are movably mounted relative to the second side, and are controllably moved during the casting. This system may also include embodiments wherein the castpart produced has a tapered form at one or both of the castpart ends. Aspects of this invention may be considered to be a castpart shrinkage management system or a castpart form or profile control system due to the advantage of increased controls of castpart form during the casting process.

Abstract: A two-roll casting installation with two casting rolls which rotate in opposite directions about horizontal axes and forming a casting gap for forming and discharging a thin cast metal strip. A sealed housing which has a base and surrounds a conveying path for the metal strip which leaves the casting gap and which strip is from a vertical casting direction into an approximately horizontal conveying direction. Diverter devices divert the metal strip within the housing. A displaceable scrap collection container removes scrap and scale produced from the two-roll casting installation. To minimize the penetration of external air into the housing, the base of the housing, at least in a subregion, forms a collection trough for the scrap, which is part of an emptying device, and a displaceable scrap collection container is arranged in a receiving position below the emptying device.

Abstract: To start up a casting operation in a two-roll casting device without the use of a start-up strand, the method comprises setting an operating casting thickness and rotating the casting rolls at a casting-roll circumferential velocity which corresponds to a starting casting velocity, which is lower than a steady-state operating casting velocity, feeding metal melt into a melt space formed by the rotating casting rolls and the side plates to form a cast metal strip with a substantially constant, predetermined cross-sectional format while at the same time increasing the casting velocity to a strip-forming casting velocity, then increasing the casting velocity to a strip-separating casting velocity, which is significantly higher than a casting velocity which is sufficient for the prevailing full solidification conditions, and separating off the metal strip which has been cast thus far, setting a steady-state operating casting velocity, diverting the subsequent cast metal strip to a strip-conveying device and comme

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method for drawing a strip initially cast by means of a twin roll strip casting apparatus. The method comprises a roll gap maintenance step where roll gap is maintained, a casting initiation step where a stopper is disengaged from a tundish hole so that molten metal is poured into a space between the rolls, and the rolls are rotated at speed v0 of each of the rolls if the position of the stopper is higher than the actually poured position of the molten metal, a casting speed acceleration step where a roll repulsive force is detected when the molten metal is solidified to the leader strip and passes between the rolls, and the casting speed is accelerated if the roll repulsive force reaches a load threshold, and a normal control step where the casting speed is detected, and if the casting speed reaches a target value.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for continuous casting of metal billets comprising a horizontal casting mold having and inlet end and an outlet end. It includes a feed trough for feeding molten metal to the mold inlet end and a horizontal conveyor for receiving a cast billet from the mold outlet end. A moveable cutting saw is operable to move synchronously with the conveyor for cutting a continuous billet into lengths while supported on the conveyor. The billet is resiliently supported and the saw mechanism is isolated so as to minimize transmission of low and high frequency vibrations from the cutting and conveying operations to the mold.

Abstract: An apparatus is described for starting and stopping a horizontal casting machine, e.g. a caster for continuous casting of metal ingots. The caster comprises a feed trough for carrying molten metal, at least one casting mould and a connecting trough separately connecting each casting mould to the feed trough. A shutoff gate is associated with each connecting trough and movable between an open position and a closed position. Each connecting trough includes a drop-down portion located between the shutoff gate and the casting mould, this drop-down portion being adapted to swing downwardly and thereby rapidly drain molten metal from the connecting trough and an entrance of the mould. The apparatus may also include an elongated starter block, adapted to be inserted into the casting mould and having a threaded recess formed therein for receiving molten metal. An O-ring is fitted to the starter block to seal the block against the casting mould.

Abstract: Method to shear a strip during the casting step, wherein the casting speed is increased, with respect to a speed of a stationary regime, maintaining the thickness of said cast strip constant to the value corresponding to the speed of a stationary regime, in order to determine the formation of a |liquid core which determines the re-melting of the adjacent skin and the breakage of the strip due to the weight of the part of the strip located under the liquid core.

Abstract: A device for treating rolled metal products obtained by continuous casting, such as bars, plates, structural shapes or the like, arranged in line with a rolling system, and comprising a cooling plate (9), an in-line cooling box (13), in-line pickling means (14), in-line quality control means (16) consisting of ultrasonic instruments or induced current instruments, a bundling and/or lashing area (15).

Abstract: Start up method for initiating casting of metal strip in a twin roll caster comprising parallel casting rolls. A casting pool of molten metal is supported on the casting rolls and confined at the ends of the rolls by side closure plates and the rolls are rotated to deliver cast trip downwardly from the nip between them. One roll is continuously biased laterally toward the other roll either by spring biasing units or by hydraulic biasing units. On start up the gap between rolls is set so as to be less than the thickness of the strip to be cast and the rolls are rotated at such speed that on pouring of molten metal to initiate casting strip is produced to a thickness which is greater than the initial gap between the rolls thereby to cause the biased roll to move bodily away from the other roll to increase the gap between the rolls to accommodate the thickness of the cast strip. This allows initiation of casting without the need for introduction of a dummy bar between the rolls.

Abstract: A cooling roll (5) for producing magnet materials, comprising a roll base material (51) and a surface layer (52) covering the outer periphery of the material, wherein the roll base material (51) is preferably formed of a metal material of a high heat conductivity, and the surface layer (52) is formed of a material lower in heat conductivity than the roll base material (51) and preferably formed of ceramics. The surface layer (52) satisfies the relation, 1.01≦Tmax/Tmin≦3, where Tmax is the maximum thickness of the surface layer (52), and Tmin the minimum thickness. The peripheral surface (511) of the roll base material (51) has a surface roughness Ra of 0.03 to 8 &mgr;m.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for continuously casting metal strip are provided, in which molten metal is introduced between a pair of parallel chilled casting rolls via an elongate metal delivery nozzle disposed above and extending along the nip between the casting rolls to form a casting pool supported on the rolls and the rolls are contra-rotated to produce the solidified strip. The molten metal is then delivered into a trough of the nozzle through an entry nozzle having an upper inlet end for receiving molten metal from a tundish, and a lower outlet end extending into the trough of the delivery nozzle, and the outlet end of the entry nozzle has a bottom wall, elongated side walls spaced inwardly from the side walls of the delivery nozzle and outlets for molten metal in the side walls.

Abstract: The process is characterized in that, before starting casting, an initialization position is determined for the stopper rod control actuator when the stopper rod is resting on its seat under its own weight and after having filled the tundish equipped with this stopper rod, the actuator is operated to place it in a controlled superclosed position and, to start casting, the actuator is driven according to an imposed movement versus time law, time (t1) for start of casting being determined from this law and the control actuator continues to be driven in opening direction to enable the metal to flow into the ingot mould.

Abstract: A method and a device for the casting of rectangular billets from metal, in particular from steel, close to final dimensions, and for the subsequent inline rolling out of the billet, with a material supply vessel, via the outlet nozzle of which the liquid metal is deposited onto the upper strand of a conveyor belt, on which it solidifies and is transferred to a roll stand for forming, characterized by the following steps: a) before the start of casting aa) the point at which the liquid metal is deposited onto the conveyor belt is predetermined approximately, ab) the conveying speed of the conveyor belt is set as a function of the desired rolling thickness and rolling speed of the roll stand, b) during casting ba) the position of thorough solidification of the metal billet located on the conveyor belt is detected, bb) the temperature of the rolling stock is detected in the region of the roll stand, and bc) the position of thorough solidification and the temperature of the rolling stock are used as contr

Abstract: A method of initiating a continuous casting mold includes steps of positioning a plug inside a continuous casting mold, sealing the plug with respect to inner walls of the mold, positioning a prefabricated chill member on a top surface of the plug; and introducing molten metal into the mold. By prefabricating the chill member, valuable time is saved during the mold startup phase. The prefabricated chill member may have a compressible metallic sealing strip secured thereto to enhance sealing against the mold wall without abrading or scratching the mold wall. Another aspect of the invention involves sealing the gaps that exist between the mold surfaces and the mold plug by use of a an elongated body that defines in cross-section a broadened upper portion and a tapered lower portion that narrows into a leading edge. This construction permits the sealing element to be quickly inserted into a gap without being caught on the mold plug.

Abstract: A billet continuous casting machine comprises, and a billet continuous casting method uses, a jacket for cooling an outer wall of a quadrangular tubular mold with cooling water, electromagnetic brakes disposed outside the mold for decelerating the flow speed of poured molten metal in the mold, an X ray-based level sensor for detecting the level of molten metal in the mold, notched portions formed at the corners of a quadrangular lower part of the mold, spray nozzles for spraying a cooling liquid directly onto the notched portions, and elastically pushing means for imparting a pushing force corresponding to the static pressure of the molten metal to unnotched portions of the quadrangular lower part of the mold to push the unnotched portions inwardly of the mold, whereby molten metal is continuously poured into the cooled mold to solidify the molten metal so that a cast piece quadrangular in cross section is continuously produced.

Abstract: The invention provides a new and improved process and exothermic reaction mixture for producing molten weld metal. The molten weld metal is used in joining one metallic piece with at least one other metallic piece. The process and exothermic reaction mixture have distinct advantages over the prior art. These advantages include a higher filler metal yield, an increased tensile strength, and a higher quality corrosion resistant weld. These advantages are accomplished by a process wherein a reactant mixture is provided which has a reducing agent, a metallic compound, and at least two filler metals that at least in part do not chemically react with the metallic compound, one of which is aluminum. The metallic compound subsequently forms, with the reducing agent, having a high heat of formation which provides an exothermic reaction with sufficient heat to melt the filler metals.

Abstract: A method for automatic, vertical continuous casting of metals, in particular aluminium alloys, in a casting facility having several molds. According to the method, the liquid metal is fed from a furnace along a spout to the molds and guided, via nozzles with adjustable through-flow, to the molds which are initially closed off by the dummy blocks arranged on a lowerable casting table. The metal through-flow volume of each nozzle is adjusted individually for each mold on the basis of an initial time (t0) and an initial metal level (N0) at which adjustment of the metal level begins, in such a way that the metal in all molds at a pre-set starting time (tS) is at substantially the same starting level (NS) at which the casting table starts being lowered for the production of the metal strands.

Abstract: An improved cylindrical bottom block for casting of large ingots or billets, particularly cylindrical shaped ingots, of light metals, such as aluminum and aluminum alloys, the cylindrical bottom comprising: (a) a base section having an outer diameter; (b) a centrally located circular surface forming the upper end of the base section, the circular surface positioned substantially perpendicular to the direction of casting, the circular surface forming the floor of the dish of the cylindrical bottom block which receives and cools liquid phase metal to form the butt end of an ingot, the circular surface being substantially flat and having a peripheral edge; (c) a cylindrical rim extending around the peripheral edge of the centrally located circular surface, the rim having an upper edge and an inner side wall which forms the side wall of the dish; (d) a concave transition section positioned between the peripheral edge and the lower end of the inner side wall, the concave transition section extending completely aro

Abstract: When the starter block commences reciprocating along the axis of an open ended mold cavity, with a body of start up material in tandem with it, successive layers of molten metal are relatively superimposed on the body of start up material, and layers thereof are confined to a first cross sectional area of the cavity but permitted to distend relatively peripherally outwardly from the circumferential outline of the first cross sectional area at relatively peripherally outwardly inclined angles to the axis while thermal contraction forces are generated in the respective layers and the magnitude of the forces is controlled so that the thermal contraction forces counterbalance the splaying forces in the respective layers and confer a free-formed circumferential outline on the resulting body of metal as it becomes form-sustaining.

Abstract: A method for producing slabs in a continuous casting plant preferably equipped with a vertical mold, preferably for thin slab plants for casting preferably steel having, for example, a solidification thickness of 60 mm-120 mm, for example, 80 mm, and casting speeds of up to 10 m/min. and a maximum casting output of about 3 million tons per year. In a first vertically extending first segment 0 of a strand guide, exclusive strand reduction, also called casting and rolling, is carried out. The segment 1 arranged immediately underneath the first segment 0 carries out bending of the strand through several bending points into the inner circular arc. Prior to final solidification, the strand is bent back through several return bending points into the horizontal.

Abstract: Adjustable continuous casting mold for manufacturing continuously cast ingots of different dimensions, having a mold frame with a pair of stationary facing side walls and a pair of facing end walls, where at least one end wall can be displaced and each side wall and end wall features a primary coolant chamber and, connected to the primary coolant chamber, a plurality of primary coolant channels for jetting coolant onto the ingot material. The displaceable end walls exhibit a secondary coolant chamber and, connected to the secondary coolant chamber, a plurality of secondary coolant channels for jetting additional coolant onto the continuously cast material, the secondary coolant channels being arranged such that the coolant emerging from them strikes the continuously cast material after, with respect to the direction of flow of the cast material, the coolant from the primary coolant channels.

Abstract: A continuous-casting operation controlling method and apparatus in which: the molten-bath level of molten steel in a mold is detected in a period of from the time point just after the start of injection of the molten steel to the time point when the molten-bath level reaches a molten-bath level for the steady-state operation; and the quantity of discharge of the molten steel is controlled appropriately on the basis of the detected molten-bath level to thereby make it possible to start drawing-out of casting automatically. The molten-bath level is measured continuously by an electrode type molten-bath level meter, so that the molten-bath level ascending rate is obtained on the basis of the change of the molten-bath level. The flow rate of the molten steel discharged from a tundish is adjusted on the basis of the deviation of the molten-bath level ascending rate from a reference rate.

Abstract: A method related to a start-up phase for continuous casting of a molten metal. The molten metal flows into a continuous casting mold through at least one lateral opening of a submerged nozzle and through at least one bottom opening of the submerged nozzle. The at least one lateral opening may be directed toward a respective at least one wall of the continuous casting mold and the at least one bottom opening may be directed in a casting direction. During a start-up phase of the continuous casting process, a higher ratio of flow rates of molten metal through the at least one lateral opening to the molten metal flowing through the at least one bottom opening may be maintained than the ratio of the flow rates during a subsequent normal operation phase of the submerged nozzle.

Abstract: A steel strip (12) is continuously cast from a pool (30) of molten metal that is supported on one or more chilled casting surfaces (22A). The casting surfaces (22A) are moved to produce a solidified strip (12) moving away from the casting pool (30) along a transit path (10). The formation of scale on the solidified strip (12) as it passes through the transit path (10) is controlled by confining the solidified strip within an enclosure (37) from which oxygen is extracted by oxidation of the strip and which is sealed to control ingress of oxygen containing atmosphere.

Abstract: The strip casting plant has a casting nozzle (10) displaceable in the direction of flow (F) of the liquid metal and adjustable perpendicular to this, to supply liquid metal to the adjustable roller gap (30) between rotating dies (26, 28). The casting nozzle (10) consists of an upper and a lower nozzle element (14, 16) and in vertical strip casting plants a left and a right nozzle element (14, 16) mounted on a melt distribution trough, and two side limiters which form a slot-like outlet opening (20) for the liquid metal. One or both of the nozzle elements (14, 16) is adjustable at least in the area of the outlet opening (20). On operation of the strip casting plant, the casting nozzle (10) is advanced at the start with outlet opening (20) in start position (S) and then withdrawn to work position (W), where the outlet opening (20) is expanded under adaptation to the casting rollers (26, 28).

Abstract: To control the admission of molten metal to a series of mold cavities through a series of valve openings in the downspouts of a trough thereabove, an elongated rack is arranged parallel to the trough, a set of balance beams is pivotally mounted on the rack, a set of valve closure devices is suspended from corresponding first end portions of the beams for throttling the openings, and a set of float sensors is suspended from points on the opposing second end portions of the beams for contact with the surfaces of the molten metal in the cavities.

Abstract: Molten metal is introduced between a pair of parallel casting rolls (16) of a twin roll caster by metal delivery apparatus comprising a distributor vessel (18) and delivery nozzle (19) to form a casting pool (10) above the nip (30) between the rolls (16). The rolls (16) are rotated so as to cast a solidified strip (20) delivered downwardly from the nip (30). Casting of the strip is terminated by stopping the flow of metal to the delivery apparatus (18, 19) and allowing the quantity of molten metal in the delivery apparatus to run down to a reduced quantity at which there is still molten metal in the casting pool and then moving one or both casting rolls laterally to increase the gap between the rolls whereby to interrupt formation of the strip and allow downward discharge of the remaining metal through the increased gap between the rolls.

Abstract: In vertical-type continuous casting in which a plurality of ingots are cast by pouring molten metal into a plurality of molds each composed of upper and lower dies and by lowering the lower dies in a predetermined path at a casting speed, the upper dies having different casting diameters are arranged on a common table for casting the ingots of different diameters simultaneously on the table 8.

Abstract: In direct cooling an ingot emerging from a mold, two sets 136 and 142 of liquid coolant streams are discharged onto the ingot from an annulus 62 circumposed about the lower end opening 72 of the mold. One set of streams, 136, is discharged downwardly at 22.5 degrees to the axis 12 of the mold, and the other, 142, is discharged downwardly at 45 degrees to the axis of the mold. The two sets are staggered to one another circumferentially of the mold, and because of the high angle of incidence of the 45 degree set to the axis of the mold, substantial portions of the 45 degree streams rebound from the surface of the ingot at their points 144 of impact with the ingot, and mushroom into corolla-like masses of air borne liquid coolant spray 146 lying crosswise the paths of the 22.5 degree streams, which in turn entrain the spray and impact the successive layers 138 of coolant therebelow with the spray.

Abstract: In continuous casting in a continuous casting plant, a strand (2) after emergence from the mold (1) is reduced in thickness by a wedge-shaped roller gap. In order to assure upon the casting to obtain the shortest possible wedge-shaped solidified head piece (25) or in the event of an interruption in casting or a decrease in the operating casting speed a short completely solidified strand intermediate piece of a thickness (28) differing from the desired final thickness (26) of the strand, the strand (2) is reduced in thickness exclusively in a region in which it has a liquid center (20), support segments (4, 5) being so directed at all times that the liquid tip (19) of the liquid center (20) always lies in a region of the strand guide in which the roller gap developed by the rollers (8) is the narrowest parallel gap--with respect to the following strand guide and disregarding a roller adjustment which follows the shrinkage of the completely solidified strand.

Abstract: There is disclosed a Z-cast steel strand withdrawal/straightening unit for a continuous casting machine which comprises a dummy bar press roller and a cast steel strand press roller which have different shapes, and are positioned at a drawing/unbending section in such a manner that they can be separately pressed and released, whereby the dummy bar press roller and the cast steel strand press roller are controlled to be pressed and released by a signal from a detector which detects the movement of a cast steel strand and a dummy bar so that even a deformed cast steel strand with different roller contact surface heights can be drawn and unbent, and a dummy bar can be drawn.

Abstract: An arrangement for operating a continuous casting plant for the manufacture of thin slabs for hot strip rolling includes at least one pair of reducing rolls which follow a continuous casting mold. Adjustable strand guide elements are arranged following the pair of reducing rolls.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for casting metal strip in which molten metal is introduced between a pair of parallel casting rollers (16) via a tundish (18) and metal delivery nozzle (19b). Casting rollers (16) are cooled so that shells solidify on the moving roller surfaces and are brought together at the nip between them to produce a solidified strip product (20) at the roller outlet. A casting pool is established by pouring a first batch of molten metal at a relatively high temperature above the liquidus temperature of molten metal through the delivery nozzle (19b) and is thereafter maintained by pouring through the delivery nozzle (19b) a second batch of molten metal at a relatively lower temperature. The bottom of the tundish (18) is formed with a well (26) to hold the first batch of molten metal and there is heating means (8) to heat the metal in the well (26).

Abstract: The mold has movable sidewalls (13) to adjust the width of the slab and an enlarged casting chamber (11) extending along the length of the crystallizer of the mold (10). Located immediately downstream of the mold (10) are containing plates (24) and transverse rolls (18) defining a possible first assembly (19) of rolls, a second assembly (28) of rolls and a third assembly (29) of rolls. The casting chamber (11) has an enlargement provided by a central curve defined by a first equivalent radius R, the central curve at the inlet (16) of the casting chamber (11) being defined by the specific first equivalent radius R' and by a width L of at least 500 mm. with a value of the lateral half-enlargement A between 30 mm. and 90 mm.

Abstract: In the process, which enables complete automation of casting and limiting the intervention of the operator, the level of metal in the supply runner is monitored, a common law of metal levels is set as a function of time for all ingot molds after individual laws have been applied to each of the molds in order to permit them to meet the common law, lowering of the table supporting the molds is actuated and the casting process is halted when the program length has been obtained. The apparatus comprises probes for detecting the height and levels of metal in the runner and in the ingot molds, and an automation system for adjusting the levels and controlling the various operations.

Abstract: A method for starting continuous slab casting capable of facilitating withdrawal of a dummy bar to start smooth continuous slab casting is provided at the start of casting of continuous slab casting, where lateral side plates 2 of the mold 10 are pinched by longitudinal side plates 1 of the mold and are adjustable in the slab width direction; where a dummy bar 4 is set at a desired level at the center in a width-variable, continuous casting mold; and clearances each between lateral side plates 2 and the dummy bar 4 are adjusted to 1-3 mm, while maintaining the lateral side plates 2 vertically, then sealing materials 5 are filled into the clearances; then molten steel is poured into the mold; and then the top ends of the lateral side plates 2 are made more apart outwardly, thereby giving a downwardly tapered profile to the lateral side plates 2, when no more poured molten steel is passed into the clearance between the formed solidified shell 6a and the plates 1 and 2, while withdrawing the dummy bar 4 downward

Abstract: A start-up method and apparatus for continuous casting of molten metal into a cast strip product includes initially casting a start-up alloy having sufficient strength, flexibility and casting surface release properties to achieve steady state casting conditions. A target alloy follows the start-up alloy being cast to produce a cast strip product of the target alloy composition. A start-up alloying vessel is disposed between the source of the target alloy and the casting apparatus to facilitate introduction of a start-up alloy into the casting process or formulation of a particular start-up alloy for initiation of the continuous casting operation.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for casting metal strip in which molten metal is introduced between a pair of parallel casting rollers (16) via a tundish (18) and metal delivery nozzle (19). Casting rollers (16) are cooled so that shells solidify on the moving roller surfaces and are brought together at the nip between them to produce a solidified strip product (20) at the roller outlet. A clean head end of the strip (20) is formed by adjusting the nip of the casting rollers to form a transverse bulge (103) across the width of the strip. The two separate solidified metal shells (105) and defines a line of weakness across the width of the strip. The strip separates at the line of weakness to form a clean head end for the following strip.

Abstract: Controlling the linear velocity of melt discharge from the discharge outlets of a melt distribution device so as to essentially negate reverse flow from the walls of the mold has been found to produce less oxides and less surface defects in an ingot, particularly an aluminum ingot. This discharge is controlled from the outset of the casting of an ingot because it has been found most defects occur within the initial phase of a cast. A melt distribution device, referred to as a "bag-in-a-bag", is provided which is a pressureless interiorly partitioned receptacle. The partitioning of the receptacle provides an outer bag and a melt-impermeable inner bag in which a pool of melt collects. The pool is deep enough to submerge the discharge end of a spout, to dissipate the kinetic energy of the incoming melt, and to distribute melt from a central zone to discharge zones on either side of the central zone.

Abstract: A cast starting method in horizontal continuous casting, including the steps of locating an orifice plate having an orifice between a molten metal outlet of a tundish and a mold, the orifice plate being formed on its front side with a recess expanded in a range surrounding an outlet of the orifice, locating a starting block in the mold to let a rear end surface of the starting block contact a front surface of the orifice plate to define a closed space by the recess, locating a starting pin in the closed space at a position not aligned to the outlet of the orifice, letting a molten metal flow from the tundish through the orifice into the closed space, and drawing the starting block with the molten metal after solidified out of the mold.

Abstract: A method of continuously casting a thin strip by pressing a pair of side walls to both side surfaces of a pair of rotating cooling drums to form a metal bath and rotating said cooling drums so as to cool a molten metal inside the metal bath and to continuously cast the thin strip, comprising the steps of pressing the side walls, which are pre-heated before the start of casting of the thin strip, to the end surface of the rotating cooling drums at a predetermined surface pressure so as to apply deformation corresponding to the shape of the end surfaces of the cooling drums to the side walls, casting under lowered press surface pressure conditions to form a necessary sliding surface required for stable casting, moving the side walls to the positions at which a wear quantity of the sliding surfaces of the side walls reach a target value, and continue casting while maintaining said positions.

Abstract: An automatic casting process of a continuous casting machine includes a mold filling mode and a continuous casting mode. The continuous casting machine includes a metallurgical vessel having a discharge opening, a stopper for opening and closing to an affective flow rate of a molten metal from the discharge opening, and a control device for controlling the opening and closing of the stopper. The mold filling mode of the automatic casting process entails repeatedly opening and closing the stopper to discharge the molten metal into a continuous casting mold having an extracting end sealed by a starting head. The opening and closing of the stopper during the mold filling mode is effected at predetermined time intervals and at predetermined stopper positions which are preprogrammed in the control device.