Title

DESIGN OF VOEST-ALPINE'S HORIZONTAL CONTINUOUS CASTING MACHINE

DESIGN OF VOEST-ALPINE'S HORIZONTAL CONTINUOUS CASTING MACHINE

Authorship

HOLLEIS, G.; SCHUBERT, H.

HOLLEIS, G.

I am this author

SCHUBERT, H.

I am this author

DOI

10.5151/2594-5300-13Aciaria-15-52

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Abstract

The paper presents the design principles and operational fundamentals of VOEST-ALPINE’s Horizontal Continuous Casting (HCC) machine, developed in cooperation with Böhler AG. The theoretical background for machine layout is discussed, including casting time, casting speed, strand solidification behavior, withdrawal cycle, withdrawal forces, and metallurgical length. Special emphasis is given to the asymmetric withdrawal cycle, break ring wear, shell growth mechanism, and heat transfer conditions in the mould. The design and function of the main equipment components are described in detail, such as tundish and tundish car, mould (plate and tube type), withdrawal unit with direct-current drive and microprocessor control, and strand cooling system. Operational results demonstrate improved steel cleanliness compared with ingot casting, good surface quality, and reduced central segregation, particularly when electromagnetic stirring is applied. The HCC process offers significant investment and operating cost reductions and is particularly advantageous for small-scale steel producers manufacturing carbon and alloy steels.

The paper presents the design principles and operational fundamentals of VOEST-ALPINE’s Horizontal Continuous Casting (HCC) machine, developed in cooperation with Böhler AG. The theoretical background for machine layout is discussed, including casting time, casting speed, strand solidification behavior, withdrawal cycle, withdrawal forces, and metallurgical length. Special emphasis is given to the asymmetric withdrawal cycle, break ring wear, shell growth mechanism, and heat transfer conditions in the mould. The design and function of the main equipment components are described in detail, such as tundish and tundish car, mould (plate and tube type), withdrawal unit with direct-current drive and microprocessor control, and strand cooling system. Operational results demonstrate improved steel cleanliness compared with ingot casting, good surface quality, and reduced central segregation, particularly when electromagnetic stirring is applied. The HCC process offers significant investment and operating cost reductions and is particularly advantageous for small-scale steel producers manufacturing carbon and alloy steels.

Keywords

Horizontal Continuous Casting, HCC, Machine Design, Strand Solidification, Withdrawal Cycle, Break Ring, Mould Design, Tundish, Process Control, Electromagnetic Stirring, Steel Cleanliness

Horizontal Continuous Casting, HCC, Machine Design, Strand Solidification, Withdrawal Cycle, Break Ring, Mould Design, Tundish, Process Control, Electromagnetic Stirring, Steel Cleanliness