Vertical Casting

Highly specialized steel grades for the most demanding downstream applications can be produced with vertical casting machines from Primetals Technologies. Vertical casting machines enable almost any steel grade to be cast. They are employed for the casting of steel grades that cannot be cast on a conventional bow-type caster.

The advantages of vertical casters include the elimination of bending and straightening forces, optimal steel cleanliness, and a high homogeneity and symmetry of the cast slabs or blooms.

Continuous casting technology began with vertical machines, revolutionizing ingot steel production and delivering significant cost savings. While bow-type casters later simplified operations and further reduced costs, vertical casters remain the preferred solution for producing very special steel grades with the highest quality requirements.

The absence of bending and unbending procedures allows vertical casters to handle virtually any steel grade. Their pure vertical orientation ensures optimal flotation of non-metallic inclusions, achieving exceptional internal strand cleanliness. Modern technological packages, originally developed for bow-type casters, now enhance the capabilities of vertical casting solutions, broadening their operational range.

Precise metallurgical control, supported by advanced tools like the DynaPhase model, is essential for optimal vertical casting performance. The latest innovations in heavy-bloom round casting demonstrate the unique advantages and superior results achievable with vertical bloom casting technology.

Benefits of Vertical Casting – Compared to the Ingot Route

• Optimal conditions for producing clean steel
• Vertical design promotes effective flotation of inclusions to the meniscus
• Non-metallic inclusions are efficiently captured by mold slag
• Fully symmetric microstructure with homogeneous material properties
• Electromagnetic stirring enhances internal quality and optimizes microstructure
• Smooth surface achieved through precise heat transfer in the mold
• Reduced deformation degree of the bloom
• Computer-controlled operation ensures consistent quality levels