Near-Net-Shape Casting of Steel - The Belt Casting Technology

Abstract

The production of value added products made of high-alloyed Mn-, Al-, Si-steel grades is coupled to the casting technology. Conventional casting technologies will not fulfill the requirements concerning interaction between steel and casting flux as well as guiding as cast material without stress. Mechanical engineers are invited for further developments in the field of near-net-shape casting technologies to meet above mentioned demands. The Belt Casting Technology seems to be the answer but has to document the potential for an industrial standard process. The main process characteristics of the casting machine are high casting speed, moving mould consisting of a conveyor belt and side dams, complete inertisation and horizontal material flow. The process is already common at the nonferrous metal industry. A labo-ratory caster for steel is located at Clausthal University of Technology.

Mathematical Modeling and Microstructure Analysis of Al–Mg–Sc–Zr Alloy Strips Produced by Horizontal Single Belt Casting (HSBC)

“…6) The application of Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) has proven to be extremely useful in modeling the HSBC process. Numerical analyses were conducted, emphasizing aspects such as heat transfer, 7,8) casting substrate characteristics, 9) general flow and solidification, [10][11][12] and electromagnetic behaviour, 13) pertaining to the HSBC process. The medium-strength 5000-series aluminum alloys containing magnesium exhibit high ductility, good corrosion resistance, as well as good weldability.…”