Diamold~R design of corners in billet high speed continuous casting

摘要

In continuous casting, the heat flow optimization in the mold is a key to improve quality of the product and the savings of production. The heat flow influences and is influenced by several phenomena, of mechanical or metallurgical nature, so its optimization should include them. In particular, the shrinkage of the strand and the solid phase formation are among the most influencing factors affecting the cooling of the solidifying product. Moreover, billet corners are critical during solidification process. For this reason VAI have introduced a new mould with an innovative profile: the DIAMOLD~R. This mould has a particular corner profile that produce thermal stress reduction and mechanical benefits on the final product This paper is about a model implemented by a software tool that can perform the simulation of the shell formation of carbon steel within the mould for rectangular shapes. The validation of this model and the benefits of the DIAMOLD~R installation, have been carried out during the revamping of a Continuous Casting Machine in Galtarossa Riva Group Plant.