Thin slab casting with liquid core reduction

Abstract

A liquid core reduction method has been developed for the flexible production of slabs of extensive thickness. In this method, achievement of the target slab thickness and the prevention of internal cracking are of prime importance. Using an experimental continuous caster, a series of tests of thin slab casting with liquid core reduction was conducted. The caster had three segments (1–3) for reduction at exit from the bending unit. The slabs were reduced in each segment with tapered alignment of the rollers over a 1 m length. The amount of reduction in each of the segments was changed in several patterns. The slabs were able to be reduced by 40–25 mm from 100 or 90 mm thickness without internal cracking. The variation in the amount of reduction in each segment was assessed by solidification analysis and strain analysis during liquid core reduction. In reduction along a tapered alignment, the incremental strain produced by the reduction can be comparatively low. The optimum reduction pattern to obtain the target slab thickness and to minimise tensile strain caused by the reduction has been established.