พงษ์ศักดิ์ แจ้งคำ. Development of Horizontal Continuous Casting Machine. Doctoral Degree(Materials Technology). King Mongkut's University of Technology Thonburi. KMUTT Library. : King Mongkut's University of Technology Thonburi, 2011.
Development of Horizontal Continuous Casting Machine
Abstract:
A novel flexible Horizontal Continuous Casting Machine (HCCM) is successfully
developed. The machine is developed in response to the need of small manufacturers
who need to be flexible in order to meet the changing demand of customers and
increasingly fragmented market, and be competitive. This project started with a study of
steel industry to find problems, customer needs, and trends in order to identify a
promising development opportunity. It is concluded that the development of horizontal
continuous casting machine with flexible and quick changing concept would serve the
needs of target customers. The preliminary product specifications of the machine were
then set. Conceptual design of the machine as well as those of key components namely;
tundish, withdrawal mechanism, mould and mould-jacket set, cooling bed, water
cooling, hydraulic, and control systems were performed. Embodiment and detail designs
of the machines and key component were carried out. The prototype machine was then
constructed and tested. The prototype could be used to cast AISI 1020 low carbon steel,
AISI 304 stainless steel, and AISI 450 ductile iron billets successfully. The overall
quality of the billets was good i.e., having good surface finish and good roundness with
minimum distortion. The macrostructure and microstructure of AISI 1020 and AISI 304
steels were not different from those of the products of conventional vertical casting
methods. The structure of ductile iron billets was slightly different from that of ductile
iron produced by regular casting. More chunky and eutectic carbide was observed and
the fading effect was apparent after holding for six (6) minutes. The tensile strength of
AISI 1020 low carbon steel was in the range of 550-590 MPa, elongation was 12-17%
and hardness 145-155 HB. AISI 304 stainless steel had tensile strength between
495-660 MPa, elongation 2-5%, and hardness 152-191 HB. AISI 450 ductile iron
billets had tensile strength between 480-590 MPa, elongation 2-4% and hardness
420-510 HB. It is concluded that HCCM can be used to cast carbon steel, stainless
steel, and ductile cast iron, and is highly flexible. The mould can be quickly changed
within 20 minutes. It is highly suitable for small manufacturers serving fragmented
markets.