Horizontal Continuous Casting of Copper Alloy Billets

Abstract

The steadily growing demand for copper and copper alloy products and the increasing cost pressure on metal manufacturers in a global competition demand for an increase of productivity and plant availability, optimization of product quality and quality assurance and a cut of production costs. These demands represent a particular challenge to the casting process, usually the first step in the production chain. In order to meet or even exceed the above-mentioned demands it is obligatory to apply equipment, which incorporates the most economic and efficient technology. Although the horizontal continuous casting process is well established for the production of brass billets, it offers sufficient chances for further development. These chances are the drive for the research and development activities of Demag Technica, a subsidiary of SMS Meer GmbH. It is an ISO 9000 certified manufacturer of continuous casting equipment predominately for the copper and copper alloy industry. Nowadays horizontal continuous casting plants are capable of producing billets up to 400 mm diameter in single or multiple strand operation. It is realized however that the tendency, particularly for leaded brasses, goes towards casting larger billet diameters and multiple strand operation. With the example of two recently supplied horizontal continuous casting plants it is outlined how the developments of Demag Technica contribute to the raise of competitiveness of its customers. .