Mold Frame / Housing: Maximum Load Capacity 50-200 tons

Q: What is the primary function of the mold frame in continuous casting?

The mold frame provides structural rigidity and precise alignment for the copper mold, ensuring dimensional stability during steel solidification under extreme thermal and mechanical loads.

Q: Why are high-strength materials required for mold frames?

High-strength low-alloy steels are necessary to withstand thermal cycling stresses, ferrostatic pressure from molten steel, and mechanical loads from adjustment mechanisms without permanent deformation.

Q: How does the frame contribute to mold cooling efficiency?

The frame incorporates precisely machined cooling water channels that distribute coolant uniformly around the copper mold, maintaining optimal thermal gradients for controlled solidification.

Component Specifications

Definition

The Mold Frame/Housing is a critical structural component in continuous casting mold assemblies that provides rigid support, precise alignment, and thermal stability for the copper mold. It maintains dimensional accuracy under extreme thermal cycling and mechanical loads during steel solidification, ensuring consistent slab quality and preventing mold distortion.

Working Principle

The frame provides mechanical support to maintain the copper mold's precise geometry during continuous casting. It absorbs thermal expansion stresses from the molten steel contact, facilitates cooling water distribution through integrated channels, and allows for mold width adjustment mechanisms in modern designs. The housing ensures the mold remains perpendicular to the casting direction while withstanding ferrostatic pressure.

Materials

High-strength low-alloy steel (HSLA) grades like ASTM A572 or equivalent, often with stress-relieved heat treatment. Critical surfaces may have wear-resistant coatings. Materials must maintain structural integrity at operating temperatures up to 300°C.

Technical Parameters

Parameter	Typical range	Notes & selection driver
Frame Height	800-1500 mm
Surface Roughness	Ra 3.2 μm or better
Flatness Tolerance	<0.1 mm/m
Maximum Load Capacity	50-200 tons
Cooling Water Pressure	6-12 bar
Width Adjustment Range	±100-200 mm

Ranges are indicative industry figures for RFQ preparation, not a supplier commitment. Confirm every value and standard with the legal manufacturer before ordering.

Standards

ISO 4991, DIN 17480, ASTM A6/A6M

Parent Products

This component is used in the following industrial products

Continuous Casting Mold Assembly

A critical assembly in continuous casting that shapes molten metal into a solid strand with defined cross-section.

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Engineering Analysis

Risks & Mitigation

Thermal fatigue cracking
Stress corrosion in cooling channels
Dimensional distortion from uneven heating
Bolt fatigue in clamping systems

FMEA Triads

Trigger: Thermal cycling during casting sequences
Failure: Fatigue cracks in stress concentration areas
Mitigation: Implement finite element analysis (FEA) for stress optimization, use stress-relieved materials, and apply peening treatments

Trigger: Cooling water contamination
Failure: Corrosion and scaling in internal channels
Mitigation: Install water filtration systems, use corrosion-resistant coatings, and implement regular descaling maintenance

Trigger: Improper alignment during installation
Failure: Premature wear and mold distortion
Mitigation: Use laser alignment tools during installation, implement precision mounting fixtures, and conduct regular geometric verification

Industrial Ecosystem

Compatible With

Continuous Casting Machines from SMS Group, Danieli, Primetals Technologies

Typical Suppliers & Equivalents

Compliance & Inspection

Tolerance

Geometric tolerances per ISO 2768-mK, flatness within 0.1 mm/m, parallelism within 0.05 mm

Test Method

Dimensional verification with CMM, pressure testing of cooling circuits at 1.5x operating pressure, ultrasonic testing for material defects

Procurement Evaluation Criteria

A practical evidence checklist for RFQ preparation and supplier evaluation.

Technical documentation

Request current drawings, revision history, and a signed specification sheet.

Manufacturing capability

Verify equipment lists, process limits, capacity, and representative production evidence.

Inspection readiness

Confirm test methods, calibrated equipment, sampling plans, and traceable reports.

Supplier transparency

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Manufacturers of Mold Frame / Housing

Manufacturer profiles associated with Mold Frame / Housing.

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Compiled and source-reviewed by the CNFX editorial team. Each manufacturer above links to the page on that company's own website where the product is listed, with the date we checked it. How we source and review

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary function of the mold frame in continuous casting?