Abstract: A continuous casting furnace is configured for efficiently continuously casting ingots, including titanium alloy ingots. The furnace is configured with an internal cutter for cutting an ingot within the furnace interior chamber. The furnace typically includes a first interior chamber in which a continuous casting mold is disposed and a withdrawal chamber which is separable from the first interior chamber to facilitate withdrawal of finished ingots therefrom while casting continues within the first chamber.

Abstract: An oxygen strand cutting machine for flame-cutting cast cold and hot slugs, steel blocks and slabs in and after continuous steel casting units comprising: a crane tower; and a boom erected perpendicularly to the continuous casting direction, whereon one or two torch carriages with flame cutters are perpendicularly movable with respect to the cast strand, wherein the crane tower is permanently fixed to the cast strand and includes an articulated arm horizontally pivoting in a set angular sector, on which the boom is rotatably and horizontally mounted, wherein the boom is movably connected to a lifting carriage movable along the articulating arm or the boom and the boom is fitted with roller bearings around which the boom is pivotable to be situated perpendicularly to the continuous casting direction during flame cutting via digital programming, and wherein the articulated arm simultaneously houses driving means, a cooling water supply, and power and control cables as a common line.

Abstract: In order to be able to carry out a multiplicity of continuously recurring activities at a continuous casting plant having at least one multifunction robot for implementing a plurality of different process-controlled or automated interventions at the continuous casting plant, at least one working region at the continuous casting plant and at least one multifunction robot assigned to each working region. The multifunction robot is arranged on a pivotable arm at a rotary column fastened to the pouring platform of the continuous casting plant and the robot can be pivoted with the pivot arm between a retraction position and a working position. The robot is also movable with respect to its arm.

Abstract: A thermal energy method (TEM) machine for deburring and deflashing work pieces, the TEM machine having an explosion load bearing frame. The frame comprises spaced apart coparallel first and second frame walls and a lateral structural member spacing apart the first and second frame walls. The top portion of the TEM combustion chamber is supported by the lateral structural member. The first and second frame walls are adapted to support a vertical displacement means. The first and second frame walls, the lateral structural member, and the vertical displacement means cooperate to contain vertically-directed explosion forces exerted upon the combustion chamber during the operation of the combustion chamber. Methods for deburring and/or deflashing using such TEM machines are also disclosed.

Abstract: A thermal energy machining (“TEM”) machine is designed with interchangeable components for processing different sized parts within a single frame. The frame weldment includes a base, an upper mounting plate and intermediate mounting plates. In one embodiment, a TEM machine for processing short parts includes a ram cylinder directly secured to the base, a chamber spacer directly secured to the upper mounting plate and a thermal chamber directly secured to the chamber spacer. In another embodiment, a TEM machine for processing long parts includes a thermal chamber directly secured to the upper mounting plate, a ram spacer directly secured to the base, and a ram cylinder directly secured to the ram spacer.

Abstract: An oxygen strand cutting machine for flame-cutting cast cold and hot slugs, steel blocks and slabs in and after continuous steel casting units comprising: a crane tower; and a boom erected perpendicularly to the continuous casting direction, whereon one or two torch carriages with flame cutters are perpendicularly movable with respect to the cast strand, wherein the crane tower is permanently fixed to the cast strand and includes an articulated arm horizontally pivoting in a set angular sector, on which the boom is rotatably and horizontally mounted, wherein the boom is movably connected to a lifting carriage movable along the articulating arm or the boom and the boom is fitted with roller bearings around which the boom is pivotable to be situated perpendicularly to the continuous casting direction during flame cutting via digital programming, and wherein the articulated arm simultaneously houses driving means, a cooling water supply, and power and control cables as a common line.

Abstract: In order to be able to carry out a multiplicity of continuosly recurring activities at a continuous casting plant having at least one multifunction robot for implementing a plurality of different process-controlled or automated interventions at the continuous casting plant, at least one working region at the continuous casting plant and at least one multifunction robot assigned to each working region. The multifunction robot is arranged on a pivotable arm at a rotary column fastened to the pouring platform of the continuous casting plant and the robot can be pivoted with the pivot arm between a retraction position and a working position. The robot is also movable with respect to its arm.

Abstract: In a method and means for oxygen cutting of cast strands and steel workpieces or downstream of continuous casting plants, by means of a membrane (9) controlled pressure measuring and regulating valve (1) with pressure and flow converters (16, 17, 18) on the basis of predetermined reference values, supply of a cutting nozzle of a cutting torch with heating gas and heating oxygen for generation of an optimum cutting flame is electrically and/or electronically adjusted, readjusted or shut down and/or predetermined maximum deviations from the reference values are recognized, indicated and used for signalling or cutting torch shutdown. A time-consuming regulation of the cutting flame of the cutting torch is avoided as a result penitent variable delivery of heating gas and heating oxygen to the cutting torch.

Abstract: A hot rolling installation should be constructed and able to be operated so that strips of materials, which can be shaped with different levels of difficulty and have a thickness of less than 1 mm, can be rolled. According to the invention, strip speeds of 15 m/sec should not be exceeded at the outlet of the last roll stand regardless of the material being used, and the hot-rolled strip should have austenitic structures. To this end, the invention provides that thin slab thicknesses of approximately 50 mm are used for easily shapeable material, that the first of seven stands is driven or executes only a smoothing pass, the slab is de-scaled in front of and behind the first stand, and that the second to seventh stand effects the reduction in thickness to less than 1 mm.

Abstract: The invention relates to apparatus for oxygen cutting pieces of steel. The cutter and trimmer members (5, 10) are positioned in such a manner that the cutting jet (6) is applied to the top face (1.1) of the piece (1) in a substantially vertical direction, while the trimming jet (12) is applied to the bottom face (1.2) of said piece in an oblique direction that remains pointed towards the outlet point (14) of the cutting jet (6), simultaneous cutting and trimming being performed by moving the cutter and trimmer members (5, 10) horizontally in synchronous manner. A sprayer member (11) is also provided for spraying fluid during the cutting process towards molten particles in order to reduce fume emissions.

Abstract: The invention involves a process for the oxygen cutting of slabs—using one or more oxygen cutting torches—and a device for implementing the process. The process includes the steps of hanging the slab (16) using one or more electromagnets (14) separated from the slab (16) by a non-magnetic device or medium (such as air); causing a relative motion between the cutting torches (18) and the slab (16); using a carrying device (15) acting on the slab on the same side of the slab (16) as the electromagnet (14); and activating the cutting torch (18) in order to cut the slab (16) when it is transported past the cutting torch (18).

Abstract: A steel cutting apparatus includes a cutting torch that is moved in an arcuate path for guiding the cutting torch so that a cutting flame of the cutting torch is always aimed at a bottom corner of the steel at the side where the cutting process begins. Molten steel and iron oxide flow through a kerf in the steel toward the bottom corner, and drop away from the billet for collection and disposal. Only a very small amount of slag adheres to the bottom corner of the billet when cutting is complete.

Abstract: An apparatus for the production of a platelike metal material includes a cooling unit for cooling a molten metal to form a metal slurry containing a solid phase, a pair of coarse rollers for cooling the metal slurry and, at the same time, rolling it to thereby give rise to a continuous, solidified, platelike metal material, and a cutting mechanism for cutting the continuous, solidified, platelike metal material into platelike metal materials of a stated length. Thus, platelike metal materials containing numerous uniform spherical crystals are obtained.

Abstract: A lower pre-heat block assembly (9) for use with a metal scarfing apparatus (5) is disclosed. The lower pre-heat block assembly has a lower block (38) and an extension (39) engaged upon and in overlying relationship with a front face (46) of the lower block. A gas discharge outlet (56) is defined within the front face of the block. The extension may partially overlie the gas discharge outlet such that a gas discharge orifice (70) is defined in the front face of the block by the extension. The extension includes an upper face (58) which extends forwardly from the front face of the block, and is recessed with respect to an upper face (41) of the block.

Abstract: A high pressure oxygen torch system for cutting steel is disclosed. The system includes a high pressure nozzle which operates at oxygen pressures of approximately 20 bar and above. The system also includes a pressure regulating valve and a mass flow control valve which maintain uniform pressure within close tolerances. The oxygen torch system may be used in continuous steel casting operations to economically, reliably and quickly cut hot and cold strands.

Abstract: A continuous casting slab cutting apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus permits a slab to be cut from a strand of continuous casting using a synchronized strand cutting machine. A slab roller table having a set of slab rollers is positioned such that as the strand cutting machine passes over the moving strand, the cutting burner is never positioned over any of the slab rollers. Also disclosed is a system for containing and removing smoke and other gases generated by the cutting process from the strand cutting area. The containment system includes partitions and plates as well as ventilation ducts positioned at various areas within the cutting area.

Abstract: Metal pieces such as blooms, continuously cast billets and cogged ingots, are cut by a deep-frozen, liquid cutting medium, in particular liquid oxygen, exiting from a nozzle at high pressure. The workpiece is moved in the longitudinal direction and the nozzle is moved in the crosswise direction at an acute setting angle with respect to the longitudinal direction. As a result, it is possible to dispense with the travel segment of the workpiece and of the cutting nozzle in the longitudinal direction of the workpiece during the cutting process.

Abstract: A billet cutting apparatus of the type including an oxy-fuel cutting torch includes a slag removal nozzle operative simultaneously with the cutting torch to direct a jet of oxygen along the lower edge of the billet to remove slag beads tending to form thereon. The oxygen nozzle has a unique opening configuration which provides a thin, flat oxygen stream effective over a substantial distance, such that the nozzle can be mounted laterally of the billet and outside the hostile and potentially damaging environment created by the cutting torch and the hot billet. The nozzle may be conveniently mounted in a fixed position and, in an automated billet cutting apparatus, may be attached directly to one of the billet clamping arms.

Abstract: In longitudinal cutting of continuous castings with high pressure, liquid stream cutting tips, a preheating torch conducted to the liquid stream cutting tip is used for heating up to the ignition temperature.

Abstract: A continuous casting apparatus providing high precision in the weight of workpieces cut from a continuous casting, includes a track disposed parallel to the casting, and a flame cutting machine movably mounted on the track by a machine carriage and a traveller clampable to the continuous casting. A multiple measuring device is provided at or near the cutting machine to detect data relating to the gross physical characteristics of the continuous casting, which is then used to control operation of the appartaus.

Abstract: In a torch cutting machine for thermally cutting hot elongate members which are conveyed horizontally at a varying speed or with a varying direction of movement, a torch-carrying carriage is movable parallel to and with the elongate member during the cutting operation, by virtue of a clamping means engaging the elongate member. A protective hood is disposed in the direct vicinity of the elongate member, beneath the machine, for the purposes of protecting it from heat and radiation. The hood moves synchronously with the machine or elongate member in the cutting operation, and the hood has apertures through which the torch and the clamping means extend.

Abstract: A gas cutting machine for cutting a cast strand includes a torch and is movable downward together with a cut portion of the cast strand. In the neighborhood of the torch is located a movable hood which is movable in synchronism with vertical lifting operation of the gas cutting machine, and an expansible sludge discharge pipe and an expansible suction duct communicated with a suction blower are mounted on the movable hood. A divisional dummy bar is utilized and includes an upper and lower divisional dummy bar, and a connector for connecting the divisional dummy bars together. The connector comprises an upper member and a lower member, the upper member having in its inner cavity a pair of levers pivotally supported on lever shafts and the lever havign a locking roller at the lower end thereof. The lower member includes a hooking head held by a pair of locking rollers.

Abstract: A nozzle for the cutting beard removal where by means of additional heat supply the beard is liquified and blown away by the kinetic energy of a gas jet are formed by an upper and a lower nozzle plate with fuel gas discharge openings and an oxygen slot formed between them which is feeding an ever increasing quantity of oxygen at its longitudinal ends. This is reached by the oxygen slot forming the discharge end of a cone emerging from a distribution chamber enlarged in its longitudinal direction.

Abstract: A flame cutting machine for dividing moving bars, particularly hot and cold billets, in continuous casting units during the casting operation. The flame cutting machine generally comprises a double jacket through which a cooling medium flows and through which bearing eyes for the shafts of the rotors are welded. The double jacket has two U-shaped shells arranged concentrically with branches of the inner shell extending further upward than the branches of the outer shell. In addition, a lengthwise closing plate extends from the outer shell to the inner shell.

Abstract: A flame-cutter for separating a moving billet produced by a continuous caster wherein the billet is supported by at least one billet supporting roller. The flame-cutter includes a burner having a nozzle supported for synchronous movement with the billet, means for supplying oxygen to the billet and means for interrupting the supply of oxygen to the burner when the burner passes over each of the billet supporting rollers. Means are also provided for reducing the amount of oxygen escaping from the nozzle after interruption of the supply of cutting oxygen thereby minimizing damage to the supporting rollers and permitting a narrow optimized groove to be cut in the billet.

Abstract: A device for cutting a continuously cast strip conveyed on a roller bed includes a cutting machine having at least one flame cutting unit. A control unit controls the transverse movement of the flame cutting units in such a way that the flame cutting units are always between individual rollers during the cutting operation.

Abstract: The invention is directed to an apparatus for thermally cutting rectangular metal slabs along a longitudinal axis of the slab. A metal slab is conveyed along a predetermined path of travel while it is being cut by, for example, an oxygen-flame cutting machine. The means for conveying the metal slab comprises a plurality of rollers transversely disposed relative to the path of travel and the cutting machine is arranged above the conveying means and between two of the rollers. The slag created by the cutting is collected and conveyed by a slag duct disposed below the conveying means. Pursuant to the invention, the slag duct extends from between the two rollers adjacent the cutting machine along an axis transverse to the path of travel. In accordance with another feature of the invention, the side edges of the metal slab are sensed and the cutting machine is transversely aligned relative to the path of travel in accordance with the sensed locations of the side edges.

Abstract: A flame cutting machine for cutting a workpiece comprises at least one cutting torch which is movable transversely with respect to the workpiece feed direction and which is adjustable in respect of operating height. Operatively associated with the torch is a length measuring means for measuring the relative movement as between the machine and the workpiece, to measure a given length of workpiece to be severed. The measuring means includes a measuring wheel which runs against the surface of the workpiece. The machine has a vertically movable support plate which on its front or upstream side, carries a sound and heating insulating hood, within which the tip of the torch is disposed. The measuring wheel is arranged on the rearward or downstream side of the support plate. Cooling systems are provided in various forms, together with a simplified system for feeding gas to the torch.

Abstract: A flame cutting rollerbed which is specifically intended for use in metal strand casting plants serves to cut metal strands longitudinally and/or transversely. A flame cutting rollerbed of this type comprises uniformly spaced support rollers which are arranged across the longitudinal motion direction of the cast strands. The support rollers are each equipped with spaced disk rollers on the edges of which the metal strands contact and are supported.In order to protect the stationary support rollers from being damaged by the flame cutting jet, it is proposed that sections between adjacent disk rollers be coated with a porous protective coating which is resistant to the heat flow of the flame cutter jet. The protective coating is either metal-porous or ceramic-porous. Furthermore, the coating may be cooled by a cooling fluid, in which case the porous protective coating forms storage spaces for the cooling fluid. Nozzles for the cooling fluid are arranged opposite the disk rollers and/or the support rollers.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing a smooth radius on an edge of a sheared metal sheet are disclosed. The apparatus includes a heating element, such as an oxy-acetylene torch, and a supporting frame incorporating means for translating said sheared edge in predetermined relationship with said heating element. The method encompasses the steps of causing relative translation between a heating element and the previously sheared edge of a metal sheet to accomplish the reduction of said edge to a smooth radius.

Abstract: A metal processing system wherein a material removing means such as a shear blade is operative in conjunction with the transverse cutting action of a torch for removing from the cut line produced by the torch residual material resulting from the cutting action of the torch in a manner that the residual material is removed progressively along the transverse cut line in coordinated following relationship to the producing of the transverse cut line by the torch.

Abstract: During the flame cutting of a workpiece, a slag bead is produced and is removed by a scarfing burner directed only towards the cut surface of the workpiece.

Abstract: This invention relates to a device for removing fused slags on slabs wherein <-shaped cutters with the front center thereof being the apex are disposed on the front and rear positions of a tool rest being vertically movable with a required spacing and being close to the undersurface of the slab, respectively. At least the rear cutter is biased upwardly by a spring mounted in the lower portion of the tool rest. At the same time the shear point in the rear cutter is made to be somewhat higher than that of the front cutter in order to cut out the fused slags deposited on the undersurface of the slab on a transferring roller table with a prescribed length. If it is arranged in such a way that a water-cooling means for water-cooling the deposited portion of the fused dross is disposed before and behind the above device for removing fused slags on slabs, respectively, to cut off the cured dross, the fused slags can more effectively be removed.

Abstract: Metallic pieces of predetermined shape, e.g., anodes, are continuously manufactured from molten metal, e.g., impure molten copper, by continuously casting the molten metal in an inclined molding cavity (13) formed by two endless moving belts (14) and (15) and by two moving side dams (20) and (21) so as to produce a hot metallic strip (4), and by cutting the hot strip, when it has left the molding cavity, with at least one plasma torch (10) along a profile (27) such that anodes (11) with a low waste coefficient are obtained. In this way, flat copper anodes with a thickness of between 40 and 50 mm can be produced.

Abstract: Apparatus for removing a torch-cutting slag of a slab, wherein a cutting tool mount vertically and rotatably controllable is transversely racked beneath a conveying roller table for conveying the slab fusion-cut to a predetermined length in a direction perpendicular to the conveying roller table, and cutting tools for cutting the torch-cutting slag of the slab are provided at least at positions symmetrical with each other along the longitudinal outer surfaces of the cutting tool mount. The cutting tools for cutting the torch-cutting slag are constituted by a plurality of cutting tools arranged in succession from the center of the forward portion, i.e., the input side, to opposite sides of the rear portion of the cutting tool mount, the cutting tools are gradually increased in the level of projection from the forward portion to the rear portion on the cutting tool mount and are resiliently supported on the cutting tool mount through springs.

Abstract: A thermal cutting machine for laterally cutting a displaceable strand of metal includes a car selectively engageable with the top surface of the strand, the car being adapted to travel on rails aligned with the direction of displacement of the strand. The car carries a movable cutter. In one preferred embodiment the load of the car on the rails at one end of the car is substantially constant whether or not the car is engaged with the top of the strand.

Abstract: In the process of conveying a slab from continuous casting or large ingot casting equipment by means of a conveyance table comprising conveyance rollers, the slab is stopped on the table and raised therefrom and, at the raised position, the slab is divided lengthwise thereof by gas cutting into at least two. The divided slabs are individually transferred to the downstream, where slags formed on the lower end edge of the cut surface of each divided slab are continuously removed.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for separating metallurgical products such as ingots, slabs or plate-shaped workpieces using a cutting torch disposed on one side of the product which follows a prescribed cutting line and which forms a front cutting edge on the surface of the product facing the torch and a rear cutting edge on the opposite side of the product and a cutting joint therebetween. At least one gaseous jet is directed at the rear cutting edge of the product to blow molten metal and liquid slag formed during cutting away from the rear cutting edge, thereby preventing the formation of flame burrs at the edges of the cutting joint.

Abstract: A trimming apparatus comprises a trimming mechanism including a carriage movable along the path of travel of a sheet segment which has been cut from a continuous metal sheet by melting a localized area thereof, a slag being formed on an end of the sheet segment. An engaging member is mounted on the carriage and engageable with the sheet segment. A burner is mounted on the carriage and movable along the end of the sheet segment to remove the slag therefrom. There is also disclosed a method of cutting a continuous metal sheet by melting a localized area thereof, and trimming the end of the cut sheet.

Abstract: A cutting apparatus lights the surface of a moving hot steel material with lamps, locates any flaw with a video camera or the like, scarfs the surface of the steel material adjacent the flaw with a scarfing torch, measures the depth of the flaw with an eddy current detecting probe or the like, estimates accurately the loss of length due to conditioning size and depth of the flaw with a computer, and cuts the steel material in a predetermined length plus the accurately estimated length corresponding to the loss of length due to conditioning.

Abstract: An improved cutting apparatus of the type comprising an endless roller conveyor (4) for carrying a moving strip (1), a carriage (9) located above the strip (1) and adapted to move in the same direction as the strip (1) and in the opposite direction and a thermal cutting device (12) carried by the carriage (9) and adapted to move transversally to the moving strip (1). The conveyor (4) is adapted to revolve in such way that its upper run continuously moves in the direction (X) of the strip (1) and the distance between the successive rollers (3) of the conveyor (4) is such that cutting can be performed without the rollers (3) being damaged. The apparatus can be used for cutting a continuously cast strip of anode copper into anodes (FIG. 1).

Abstract: A device for cutting a wide continuously cast work piece includes a longitudinal cutting device located downstream from the casting plant with a traversal cutting device mounted downstream therefrom.

Abstract: A cutting machine for severing a moving strand portion includes an elongated support; the strand portion normally moves near the support in one direction of elongation thereof, and a carriage may be operably moved on the support in the one direction and in an opposite direction. A cutter is disposed on the carriage, and the movement of the carriage is synchronized with that of the strand by a rotatable roll in operative driven relationship from the strand. The rotation of the roll is selectively converted into a translatory motion of the carriage, so that the strand may be cut by the cutter, while it is moving in synchronism therewith.

Abstract: A cantilevered transverse arm is mounted for movement along both a longitudinal and transverse axis. The outer end of the arm is adapted to be disposed over a metal slab to be cut and carries a tool assembly which is adjustable thereon. A guiding assembly is fixedly mounted to the arm and includes a pair of longitudinally spaced guide rollers positioned so that the cutting tool is disposed in a transverse plane extending between the rollers. Each roller is individually shiftable into and out of engagement with the slab edge. Initially, the leading roller is advanced toward the slab edge, while the trailing roller is retracted. The rollers are then moved toward the slab edge until the leading roller engages the said edge ahead of the slab corner. As the entire device moves longitudinally along the slab, the leading roller is retracted while the trailing roller moves into engagement with the slab edge. Deformed slab corners are thereby bypassed by the tool guidance system.

Abstract: In a continuous-casting machine, a device for cutting a casting synchronously with the traveling speed of the casting is mounted above a conveyor table extending horizontally beyond casting withdrawal guide rollers. The cutting device has a temperature maintaining cover that covers the casting on the conveyor table, moving with the cutting device proper along the conveyor table.

Abstract: A flame cutting installation with at least one flame cutting aggregate for cutting continuously cast workpieces in a cutting zone is provided with a noise protection device which encloses the installation from the environment with the noise protection device enclosing only the cutting zone.

Abstract: A process and installation for carrying out the process are disclosed wherein aluminium or magnesium alloys are continuously cast as extrusion billets with a high degree of automation. The billets are continuously cast, cut into lengths while warm and subjected to continuous or semi-continuous treatment. The installation allows for considerable savings in handling between stages, requires less space than conventional installations and allows for high consistency in product quality.

Abstract: A device for longitudinal cutting cast strands is disclosed. Disclosed is a means for transversely severing a strand into slabs, feeding the slabs selectively to a plurality of longitudinal cutting means and longitudinally cutting said slabs therein. Also disclosed is a novel longitudinal cutting means comprising a flame cutter and a cutting point opening in registry therewith.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for flame cutting steel slabs or the like in strip casting apparatus employs a flame cutting machine which moves at the strip casting speed during the flame cutting. A control device so adapts the flame cutting speed to the casting speed automatically, taking into account any temporary delay in the cutting operation, that until the termination of the flame cutting a definite predetermined distance of accompaniment is maintained.

Abstract: Control unit for torch-cutting machines consisting of bars which grip the sides of the cast product, and at least one cutting-torch carriage, movable in a direction at right angles to the movement of the machine. This control unit consists of a first element carried by the cutting-torch carriage and a second element which combines with the first to halt the carriage when it reaches a predetermined position.This unit is characterized by the fact that the second element is kinematically linked to the grip-bar situated on the side of the cast where the cut will begin, in such a way that the movements of the grip-bar move this second element in a direction parallel to the path of the cutting-torch carriage, at a speed equal to and in the same direction as the component, parallel to the path of the cutting-torch carriage, of the speed of the end of the grip-bar which comes into contact with the cast product.The invention can be used in the field of continuous casting of metals, particularly steel.