Abstract A continuous casting method wherein a support and guide for a continuously cast metal strand that has a still-molten core within a solidified shell includes a plurality of members each mounted for movement toward and away from the strand at one side thereof. Each member carries a number of rolls or other contact elements adapted to engage the strand, and each has one stop adjustably positioned to stop movement of the member, and its contact elements, away from the strand at a specific predetermined point and thereby limit bulging of the strand (from ferrostatic pressure of the core) to an acceptable amount. Another stop is provided on each member to stop movement of each member toward the strand at a point at which the contact elements can engage the thinnest portion of the strand, or the dummy bar used for starting the casting. In the form illustrated the members are guided, and may be moved, by pistons and cylinders. Gravity, fluid pressure or spring pressure may be utilized to urge the contact elements into engagement with the strand.
A continuous coating method comprising the steps of (a) forming a continuously cast metal strand having a still-molten core within a solidified shell of predetermined controlled thickness, (b) supporting and guiding said strand by means including rigidly mounted support elements which extend along one side of the strand, and adjustable support elements which extend along the opposite side of the strand, said adjustable support elements being mounted at successive positions along the strand for movement toward and away from the strand during the casting operation, said adjustable support elements each being provided with an adjustable stop which is adjustable separately to permit separate movement during the casting period of each of said adjustable support elements over a predetermined distance in the direction away from the strand which is limited by the position of its stop, (c) adjusting said stops separately so that said predetermined distances are in accordance with changes in said predetermined controlled shell thickness, and (d) adjusting said stops separately so that said predetermined distances are less adjacent the portions of the strand at which the shell is relatively thin and are greater adjacent the portions at which the shell is relatively thicker.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
195 words
A continuous coating method comprising the steps of (a) forming a continuously cast metal strand having a still-molten core within a solidified shell of predetermined controlled thickness, (b) supporting and guiding said strand by means including rigidly mounted support elements which extend along one side of the strand, and adjustable support elements which extend along the opposite side of the strand, said adjustable support elements being mounted at successive positions along the strand for movement toward and away from the strand during the casting operation, said adjustable support elements each being provided with an adjustable stop which is adjustable separately to permit separate movement during the casting period of each of said adjustable support elements over a predetermined distance in the direction away from the strand which is limited by the position of its stop, (c) adjusting said stops separately so that said predetermined distances are in accordance with changes in said predetermined controlled shell thickness, and (d) adjusting said stops separately so that said predetermined distances are less adjacent the portions of the strand at which the shell is relatively thin and are greater adjacent the portions at which the shell is relatively thicker.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
44 words
The method of claim 1 in which said distances are about 0.5 mm. adjacent to the portions of the strand having a relatively thin shell and are from about 1.5 mm. to about 2 mm. adjacent to portions at which the shell is thicker.