GB806803A - Improvements in and relating to the continuous casting of metal - Google Patents

Abstract

806,803. Continuous casting - machines. BRITISH IRON & STEEL RESEARCH ASSOCIATION. May 20, 1955 [May 25, 1954, (2)], Nos. 15382/54 and 15384/54. Class 83 (1). In continuous-casting, the mould is moved in the direction of billet-withdrawal at a speed greater than the withdrawal-speed, to release the billet from the mould, and then returned in the opposite direction. The mould 12, Fig. 1, is supported on three springs 17, and aligned with the springs are pneumatic-rams 21 of the type which provide a sudden impact on the application of compressed-air to the inletpipes 22. In operation, if the billet sticks to the mould-wall, the mould moves downwards against the action of the springs 17. When the tension reaches a predetermined value, compression of the springs allows the mould-topplate to engage a switch to supply pressure-air to the rams 21 so that they apply an impulse to the mould to cause it to move downwardly for a short distance at a speed greater than the withdrawal-speed of the billet. This impulse releases the billet from the mould. The return of the mould to its normal rest-position may be damped by shock-absorbers. Means other than the springs 17, and acting without substantial movement of the mould, may be used to control the application of the compressive release-impulse. In a modification, Fig. 2, the compressive-force on the billet is applied cyclically by cams 32 to prevent sticking, instead of only when sticking occurs. The cams are such that over the larger part of the cycle the mould moves downwardly at a speed greater than the withdrawal speed, and for the remainder of the cycle the moulds return quickly under the action of springs 31. The first Provisional Specification refers to the use of an electromagnet to apply a repulsive or attractive force to the mould. Specifications 715,782, [Group XXXII], and 794,255 are referred to.