Heat-flow, solidification, and energy aspects of DC and strip casting of aluminium alloys

AbstractA survey is presented of the processes employed to fabricate sheet products from primary aluminium ingots, encompassing DC (direct chill) semicontinuous casting (followed by annealing and hot rolling) and the various designs of strip caster. Some features of the solidification and growth conditions during these casting operations are described, and mention is made of some of the metallurgical factors relevant to quality control of the final product. A number of developmental processes that might be employed to fabricate aluminium strip are also described. In the context of the operational features outlined, assessments are made of the energy consumption, and possible energy savings are discussed in the light of the various practical aspects involved.