Casting belts for wide strip casting are made of low carbon steel, stretcher leveled in Hazelett’s shops, and held under tension on the casting machine to ensure flatness and accuracy. However, as a cold belt enters the mold region, it is subject to powerful “cold framing” forces that can result in buckling and thermal distortion of the belt at the mold entrance. Working with Ajax Magnethermic, a very powerful induction belt preheating system was developed that is capable of bringing the belt up to 150°C or higher immediately prior to entering the casting mold, eliminating the cold framing.

Within the mold region, any tendency of localized radial thermal distortion or “oil canning” is resisted by the use of high-strength, magnetic belt back-up support rolls. These rolls stabilize the belt and allow the use of permanent Matrix™ belt coatings, which adjust the rate of heat transfer, as needed.

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