Casting of Aluminum Alloy Strand Using Two- and Three-Wheel Caster

Abstract

Casting of a thin aluminum alloy strand was investigated using two-and three-wheel casters. Molten metal was poured through a launder into a trapezoidal groove in the lower wheel of the caster. In the two-wheel caster, the level of molten metal was lower than the height of the walls of the lower wheel groove, and a puddle was formed between the lower and upper wheels. As a result, it was possible to cast the strand without the formation of burrs. In the three-wheel caster, the level of molten metal was higher than the height of the walls of the lower wheel groove by effect of surface tension. However, with the use of a grooved first upper wheel, the molten metal became semisolid, and it was possible to cast the strand without burrs as this semisolid metal passed under the second upper wheel.