Editorial Technical Reference

Water-Cooled Copper Mold

This page explains how Water-Cooled Copper Mold is classified within Basic Metal Manufacturing. Technical values and manufacturer relationships are research references; confirm the current specification and supplier evidence for each order.

Technical Definition & Core Assembly

A copper mold with internal water cooling channels used in continuous casting to solidify molten steel into a specific cross-sectional shape.

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Water-Cooled Copper Mold in a manufacturing environment
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Product Specifications

Technical details and manufacturing context for Water-Cooled Copper Mold

Definition
The water-cooled copper mold is a critical component in the continuous casting system of integrated steelmaking. It receives molten steel from the tundish and initiates solidification through rapid heat extraction via internal water circulation. The mold forms the initial solidified shell that maintains the desired cross-section (e.g., slab, bloom, billet) as the strand moves downward, ensuring dimensional accuracy and surface quality before entering the secondary cooling zone. Constructed primarily from high-purity copper (often alloyed with chromium or silver) for optimal thermal conductivity, the mold is supported by a stainless steel backplate and structural components. Key parameters include mold cross-section size (150×150–300×300 mm), mold length (700–1000 mm), copper plate thickness (20–40 mm), cooling water flow rate (100–200 m³/h), cooling water velocity (6–10 m/s), cooling water temperature rise (5–10 °C), operating pressure (1.0–1.6 MPa), mold taper (0.8–1.2 %/m), surface roughness (0.8–1.6 μm Ra, ISO 4287), copper purity (99.9%, GB/T 5231), hardness (80–110 HB, ISO 6506-1), and weight (500–1500 kg). These values are typical reference ranges and must be confirmed for the specific model and application. The mold's design and operation directly influence strand quality and casting productivity. Proper maintenance and monitoring of cooling water parameters are essential to prevent overheating, cracking, and premature wear. Always verify model-specific values and standards with the legal manufacturer or supplier.
Working Principle
Molten steel flows into the mold cavity from the tundish. Copper's high thermal conductivity, combined with pressurized water circulating through channels within the mold walls, rapidly extracts heat from the steel. This causes a thin, solidified shell to form against the mold walls. The shell thickens as it descends, supported by the mold until it is strong enough to exit and enter secondary cooling. Oscillation of the mold prevents sticking and facilitates smooth strand withdrawal.
Common Materials
Copper (often with chromium or silver alloying), Stainless Steel (for structural components/backplate)
Technical Parameters
ParameterTypical rangeNotes & selection driver
Mold Cross-Section Size150×150–300×300 mmCustom sizes available on request
Mold Length700–1000 mmAffects residence time and shell thickness
Copper Plate Thickness20–40 mmThicker plates for higher service life
Cooling Water Flow Rate100–200 m³/hEnsures heat removal; too low leads to overheating
Cooling Water Velocity6–10 m/sHigh velocity prevents boiling and scale
Cooling Water Temperature Rise5–10 °CHigher rise indicates insufficient cooling
Mold Taper0.8–1.2 %/mCompensates for shrinkage; wrong taper causes cracks
Surface Roughness0.8–1.6 μm RaSmoother surface improves strand qualityISO 4287
Copper Purity99.9 %High purity ensures thermal conductivityGB/T 5231
Hardness80–110 HBBalances wear resistance and machinabilityISO 6506-1
Weight500–1500 kgDepends on size and plate thickness

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

Application & selection

Application Fit & Sizing Matrix

Operational Limits
pressure: Max water pressure: 10-15 bar, typical operating: 4-8 bar
flow rate: Water flow: 100-500 L/min per meter of mold length
temperature: Operating: 20-80°C, Molten steel contact: up to 1600°C (surface)
slurry concentration: Not applicable (clean water systems only)
Media Compatibility
✓ Continuous casting of carbon steels ✓ Continuous casting of low-alloy steels ✓ Clean, treated cooling water systems
Unsuitable: High-chloride or acidic cooling water environments
Sizing Data Required
  • Required casting cross-section dimensions (width x thickness)
  • Desired casting speed (m/min)
  • Required cooling capacity (kW) based on steel grade and throughput

Risk, maintenance & compliance

Reliability & Engineering Risk Analysis

Failure Mode & Root Cause
Thermal fatigue cracking
Cause: Repeated heating and cooling cycles from molten metal contact and water cooling, leading to stress concentration and crack initiation at grain boundaries.
Corrosion and scaling
Cause: Chemical attack from water impurities (chlorides, sulfates) and oxidation from high-temperature exposure, reducing heat transfer efficiency and structural integrity.
Maintenance Indicators
  • Visible surface cracks or discoloration on the copper mold face
  • Abnormal water flow fluctuations or audible water hammering in cooling channels
Engineering Tips
  • Implement strict water quality control with pH monitoring and chemical treatment to prevent scaling and corrosion in cooling channels
  • Apply protective coatings or surface treatments to the copper mold face to enhance thermal fatigue resistance and reduce oxidation

Indicative industry ranges for design and RFQ preparation. Confirm the exact figures and applicable standard with the manufacturer before specifying.

Compliance & Manufacturing Standards

Applicable Standards
ASTM B152/B152M - Standard Specification for Copper Sheet, Strip, Plate, and Rolled Bar EN 10204:2004 - Metallic Products - Types of Inspection Documents

Quoted from the published standard.

Manufacturing Precision
  • Bore Diameter: +/-0.02mm
  • Surface Flatness: 0.1mm per 300mm length
Quality Inspection
  • Dye Penetrant Test for surface defects
  • Hydrostatic Pressure Test for cooling channel integrity
Technical documentation
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Manufacturing capability
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Inspection readiness
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Manufacturers of Water-Cooled Copper Mold

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the typical cross-section size range for this mold?

The typical cross-section size range is 150×150 to 300×300 mm, but custom sizes are available on request. Always confirm the exact size for your application with the manufacturer.

Why is cooling water velocity important?

Cooling water velocity (typically 6–10 m/s) ensures efficient heat removal and prevents boiling and scale formation. Too low a velocity can lead to overheating and reduced mold life.

What does mold taper refer to?

Mold taper compensates for steel shrinkage during solidification. A typical taper of 0.8–1.2 %/m is used; incorrect taper can cause cracks or poor surface quality.

How should I verify the standards listed?

Standards such as ISO 4287, GB/T 5231, and ISO 6506-1 are referenced for testing or material specifications. They are not proof of certification; verify compliance with the manufacturer or supplier.

Data basis: editorial classification, named public sources where available, and source-reviewed manufacturer records. See the editorial policy.

Related equipment

Applied To / Applications

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

Integrated Cooling System
View system integration details

Industrial Ecosystem & Supply Chain Structure

Downstream Applications

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.

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 12 October 2026

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