Flowering of Continuous Casting Process for Steel in Japan and New Fundamental Seeds to the Future

Abstract

The continuous casting technology of steels in Japan has been well-developed over the past 60 years since the introduction of a continuous casting machine and its technology from Europe. The continuous casting ratio of steels has reached over 98%. A large number of researchers have been conducted on fundamental researches for the improvement of continuous casting technologies. Some of the development histories are summarized in the book, entitled ìHistory of Steel Continuous Casting Technology in Japanî in 1996. In recent years, a near-net-casting has been also developed for higher efficiencies and productivity in many countries. This paper reviews the histories of development in the continuous casting in Japan on technologies regarding (1) Pouring to mold, (2) mold lubrication, (3) cooling of a solidifying shell, (4) machine type, (5) reduction of casting defects, (6) tundish, (7) measurement and control processes and (8) different types continuous castings. The fundamental researches on the major casting defects including macrosegregation, cracking and inclusions that are formed in a continuous casting are also reviewed. Some brief comments on the further development of continuous casting in the future are described.