High Performance and High Tech in Continuous Casting - From Visions to Solutions

Today, continuous casting is a highly matured technology. Even though new technical and metallurgical developments lead to sustainable improvements in operation, product quality and machine reliability, the increasing requirements of steel plant operation and product end users demand new solutions, thus resulting in completely new options for investors and plant owners. Fast adaptation of the casting dimensions through consequent mechatronization of the machine components leads to increases in operation time. New approaches in product cooling result in increased production rates and quality. Robotic solutions provide a quantum leap in process stability and operational safety. Modularity in machine design and automation allow for the customised application of configurations for new plants and modernisation projects, together with improved serviceability of the components. Typical examples are presented which enable casting machines to produce a wide range of products, such as thin slab casters with ultra high speed casting for close coupled rolling in a HSM, conventional high production and high performance machines and special casters for high alloy content slabs or ultra large casting thickness up to 400 mm. Operational and metallurgical results complete the paper.