Stopper Rod for Continuous Casting | Refractory-Lined Flow Control

Product Specifications

Technical details and manufacturing context for Stopper Rod (Stopper Rod System)

Definition

A stopper rod is a critical component within a stopper rod system, which itself is a type of flow control device used in steelmaking and other metal casting processes. It consists of a steel rod with a refractory tip that is inserted into the nozzle of a ladle or tundish. By raising or lowering the rod, operators can precisely regulate the flow rate of molten metal into the mold, ensuring a stable and controlled casting process. The rod is typically composed of a low-carbon steel core, which provides mechanical strength, and a refractory sleeve or tip made from materials such as alumina-graphite or zirconia, which withstands high temperatures and thermal shock. The stopper rod is available in custom lengths ranging from 800 to 2000 mm, with body diameters from 50 to 150 mm, depending on the tundish design and required flow control. It operates at working temperatures between 1500 and 1650 °C, with an operating pressure range of 1.0 to 1.6 MPa. The stroke length, which determines the opening range for flow control, is typically 50 to 200 mm, and positioning accuracy is ±0.5 mm to ensure consistent flow rates. Response time for automatic control is 0.1 to 0.5 seconds. The refractory material is typically alumina-carbon (Al₂O₃–C) per GB/T 4513, with a density of 2.5 to 3.0 g/cm³. Thermal shock resistance must be at least 30 cycles per GB/T 30873. The weight of the stopper rod ranges from 20 to 100 kg, depending on size and refractory density. These parameters are reference ranges for directory purposes; actual values must be confirmed with the manufacturer for specific applications. The stopper rod is essential for precise flow regulation in continuous casting, ensuring product quality and operational safety.

Working Principle

The stopper rod operates on a simple vertical sliding mechanism. It is positioned above the outlet nozzle, typically in a ladle or tundish. To start or increase the flow of molten metal, the rod is lifted, creating a gap between its refractory tip and the nozzle seat. To stop or decrease the flow, the rod is lowered, pressing its tip against the nozzle seat to seal the opening. This mechanical action provides direct, positive shut-off control. The rod's vertical movement is controlled by an actuator, which can be manual or automated, and the stroke length determines the maximum opening. The refractory tip must maintain its integrity at high temperatures and resist erosion from molten metal. The operating pressure range ensures sufficient seating force to prevent leakage. The response time is critical for automatic control systems to adjust flow rapidly. The positioning accuracy ensures consistent flow rates, which is essential for casting quality. The stopper rod's design must account for thermal expansion and thermal shock, as it is repeatedly heated and cooled. Proper maintenance and inspection are necessary to detect wear or damage to the refractory tip, which could compromise flow control.

Common Materials

Steel Core (e.g., low-carbon steel), Refractory Sleeve/Tip (e.g., alumina-graphite, zirconia)

Technical Parameters

Parameter	Typical range	Notes & selection driver
Length	800–2000 mm	Custom lengths per tundish design
Diameter	50–150 mm	Body diameter, affects flow control
Working Temperature	1500–1650 °C	Refractory material must withstand molten steel
Stroke Length	50–200 mm	Determines opening range for flow control
Positioning Accuracy	±0.5 mm	Critical for consistent flow rate
Response Time	0.1–0.5 s	Fast response for automatic control
Refractory Material	Al₂O₃–C	Alumina-carbon for thermal shock resistanceGB/T 4513
Density	2.5–3.0 g/cm³	Affects thermal conductivity and strength
Thermal Shock Resistance	≥30 cycles	Must survive repeated heating/coolingGB/T 30873
Weight	20–100 kg	Depends on size and refractory density

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

Components / BOM

Steel Shank/Core Part
Provides the structural strength and connection point to the lifting mechanism of the stopper rod system.

Material: steel
Refractory Sleeve or Tip
The wear-resistant part that makes direct contact with molten metal and seals against the nozzle. It withstands extreme thermal and chemical conditions.

Material: alumina-graphite, zirconia, or other advanced ceramics
Connection Head/Thread Part
The interface (often threaded) that connects the rod to the lifting arm or mechanism of the stopper rod system.

Material: steel

Industry Taxonomies & Aliases

Commonly used trade names and technical identifiers for Stopper Rod (Stopper Rod System).

Applied To / Applications

This component is essential for the following industrial systems and equipment:

Flow Control Device (Slide Gate or Stopper Rod)

View system integration details

Manufacturers of Stopper Rod (Stopper Rod System)

2 companies list this product among what they make. Company figures are quoted from each company's own website; every card states where the relationship came from.

Anyang Jinrong Metallurgical Materials Co.,Ltd

Henan, CN

Also makes: Submerged Entry Nozzle (SEN), Collector Nozzle / Well Nozzle, Molten Metal Flow Control Nozzle and 1 more

Listed on the company's own website · profile compiled by CNFX from public sources

Listed there as: “Stopper Rod”
View source page ↗ refractorycn.com · checked 2026-09-07

View profile Send enquiry

Hebei Ruihua Metallurgical Technology Co., Ltd.

Cangzhou, Hebei, CN

Also makes: Control Gate

Listed on the company's own website · profile compiled by CNFX from public sources

Listed there as: “Tundish stopper rod”
View source page ↗ ruihuaslidegate.com · checked 2026-09-07

View profile Send enquiry

Manufacturer listings support early research and capability understanding. They are not certification, ranking, or transaction guarantees.

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 · Page last updated 16 September 2026

Procurement Evaluation Criteria

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the function of a stopper rod in continuous casting?

A stopper rod controls the flow of molten metal from a ladle or tundish into the mold. By lifting or lowering the rod, operators regulate the flow rate, ensuring a stable casting process.

What materials are used in a stopper rod?

A stopper rod typically has a low-carbon steel core for strength and a refractory sleeve or tip made of alumina-graphite or zirconia to withstand high temperatures and thermal shock.

What are the typical dimensions and operating conditions?

Typical lengths range from 800 to 2000 mm, diameters from 50 to 150 mm, working temperatures from 1500 to 1650 °C, and operating pressures from 1.0 to 1.6 MPa. These are reference ranges; confirm with the manufacturer.

How should a stopper rod be verified for a specific application?

Verify model-specific parameters such as length, diameter, stroke, and refractory material with the legal manufacturer. Also check compliance with relevant standards like GB/T 4513 as applicable.

Data Basis

Editorial classification, named public sources where available, and source-reviewed manufacturer records.

Preliminary Technical Classification

This page supports structured research, RFQ preparation, and supplier evaluation. It does not replace buyer-led supplier qualification, standards review, or technical approval.

Buyer enquiry

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pressure:	0.1-0.5 MPa (ladle/tundish pressure)
flow rate:	1-6 tons/min (continuous casting flow)
temperature:	1500-1700°C (typical steel casting range)
slurry concentration:	Not applicable (handles molten metal only)

Stopper Rod (Stopper Rod System)

Product Specifications

Industry Taxonomies & Aliases

Applied To / Applications

Industrial Ecosystem & Supply Chain Structure

Application Fit & Sizing Matrix

Reliability & Engineering Risk Analysis

Compliance & Manufacturing Standards