Optimization Design of Key Mold Components for Slab Quality Improvement: Clamping Mechanism and Narrow Copper Plate

Area of Science:

• Metallurgical Engineering
• Materials Science

Background:

• Continuous casting mold performance critically impacts steel slab surface quality and production efficiency.
• Slab corner defects and operational instability are persistent challenges in steel production.

Purpose of the Study:

• To optimize the broad-face clamping mechanism and narrow-face copper plate of continuous casting molds.
• To address and mitigate steel slab corner defects and enhance operational stability.

Main Methods:

• Designed and mechanically analyzed a disk spring-hydraulic composite clamping mechanism for reliable clamping force.
• Developed an external chamfer structure for the narrow-face copper plate based on solidification shrinkage principles.
• Conducted engineering design calculations and practical application tests on a wide-and-heavy slab continuous-casting project (250 mm × 2500 mm).

Main Results:

• The optimized clamping mechanism demonstrated enhanced structural rigidity.
• The novel narrow-face copper plate effectively reduced corner cracks and component wear.
• Improved heat transfer uniformity at the slab corner was achieved.

Conclusions:

• The integrated optimization of mold components significantly enhances steel slab surface quality.
• The improved design extends the service life of mold components.
• Substantial economic benefits were realized through improved efficiency and reduced defects.