Medium-Thick-Slab Casting Technology Bridging the Gap Between Conventional and Thin-Slab Casting

摘要

VAI medium-thick-slab-casting technology is presented for the production of slabs with thicknesses ranging from 100-150 mm. Combining the advantages of conventional and thin-slab-production routes, this casting process is highly flexible and well suited for casting slabs used for a wide range of applications. Various plant configurations are possible to meet different production targets such as high casting capacities, high-quality special-steel production or highly economical plate production. Following the introduction of medium-thick-slab-casting plants in the mid-1990s, this caster type has since acquired a considerable market share. Plant parameters and capabilities, developments and design features, the challenges resulting from the direct linking of the casting and rolling processes, as well as operational data of different plants are presented.