Editorial Technical Reference

Continuous Casting Mold Flux

This page explains how Continuous Casting Mold Flux is classified within Iron and Steel Basic Production. Technical values and manufacturer relationships are research references; confirm the current specification and supplier evidence for each order.

Technical Definition & Core Assembly

Continuous casting mold flux is a specialized powdered material applied to the surface of molten steel in continuous casting molds.

Representative product image. Confirm appearance and specifications with the manufacturer.

Product Specifications

Technical details and manufacturing context for Continuous Casting Mold Flux

Definition
Continuous casting mold flux is a specialized powdered material applied to the surface of molten steel in continuous casting molds. It melts to form a protective slag layer that prevents oxidation, absorbs inclusions, and provides thermal insulation. The molten flux lubricates the mold-strand interface, reducing friction and preventing sticking. It also regulates heat transfer to control solidification and improve surface quality of the cast steel strand. The flux is composed of materials such as silica (SiO2), calcium oxide (CaO), alumina (Al2O3), fluorite (CaF2), and carbon. Key parameters include a basicity index (CaO/SiO2 ratio) of 0.9–1.3, melting temperature of 1050–1200°C, viscosity at 1300°C of 0.1–0.5 Pa·s, carbon content of 2–8%, particle size distribution with 90% min passing 0.5 mm, free fluorine content ≤0.5%, moisture content ≤0.5%, bulk density of 0.6–0.9 g/cm³, melting rate of 30–60 seconds at 1300°C, break temperature of 1100–1250°C, thermal conductivity of 0.1–0.3 W/(m·K), and packaging options of 25–1000 kg bags or drums. These values are typical reference ranges and must be confirmed for the specific application. The flux is used in the iron and steel basic production industry. It is a material product type, not a device. For procurement, verify model-specific values and standards with the legal manufacturer or supplier.
Working Principle
The powder is spread on the molten steel surface in the continuous casting mold. Upon contact with the hot steel, it melts to form a liquid slag layer. This layer serves multiple functions: it protects the steel from oxidation by atmospheric oxygen, absorbs non-metallic inclusions rising from the steel, and provides thermal insulation to reduce heat loss. The molten slag also flows into the gap between the mold and the solidifying strand, acting as a lubricant to reduce friction and prevent sticking. Additionally, the slag layer controls the rate of heat transfer from the strand to the mold, which is critical for uniform solidification and surface quality. The composition and properties of the flux, such as basicity, viscosity, and melting temperature, are tailored to achieve the desired performance.
Common Materials
Silica (SiO2), Calcium oxide (CaO), Alumina (Al2O3), Fluorite (CaF2), Carbon
Technical Parameters
ParameterTypical rangeNotes & selection driver
Basicity IndexRequired0.9–1.3 ratioCaO/SiO2 ratio affecting melting behavior and slag properties
Melting TemperatureRequired1050–1200 °CTemperature range at which flux becomes fully liquid
Viscosity at 1300°CRequired0.1–0.5 Pa·sFluidity of molten flux at typical casting temperatures
Carbon ContentRequired2–8 %Percentage of carbon controlling melting rate and insulation
Particle Size DistributionRequired≤0.5mm 90% min meshGranularity affecting flowability and melting characteristics
Free Fluorine Content≤0.5 %Fluorine percentage influencing viscosity and heat transfer
Moisture Content≤0.5 %High moisture causes spattering
Bulk Density0.6–0.9 g/cm³Affects feeding and melting behavior
Melting Rate30–60 sTime for complete melting at 1300°C
Break Temperature1100–1250 °CTemperature where viscosity changes sharply
Thermal Conductivity0.1–0.3 W/(m·K)Influences heat transfer from strand
Packaging25–1000 kgBag or drum options

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
  • Glass Formers Part
    Create amorphous slag structure for lubrication
    Material: SiO2, Al2O3
  • Fluxing Agents Part
    Lower melting temperature and adjust viscosity
    Material: CaO, CaF2, Na2O
  • Carbon Additives Part
    Control melting rate and provide insulation
    Material: Coke, graphite, carbon black
  • Inclusion Absorbers Optional
    Capture non-metallic inclusions from steel
    Material: CaO, MgO

Industry Taxonomies & Aliases

Commonly used trade names and technical identifiers for Continuous Casting Mold Flux.

Industrial Ecosystem & Supply Chain Structure

Complementary Systems
Downstream Applications
Specialized Tooling

Application Fit & Sizing Matrix

Operational Limits
pressure: Atmospheric to 0.5 bar (mold pressure)
flow rate: 0.5-2.0 kg/ton steel (typical consumption)
temperature: 1300-1600°C (melt pool), 800-1200°C (solidified layer)
slurry concentration: Not applicable (powder form, melts in-situ)
Media Compatibility
✓ Low-carbon steel grades ✓ Medium-carbon steel grades ✓ Peritectic steel grades
Unsuitable: High-titanium or high-aluminum steel grades (causes excessive viscosity)
Sizing Data Required
  • Casting speed (m/min)
  • Mold dimensions (width x thickness in mm)
  • Steel grade/chemistry

Reliability & Engineering Risk Analysis

Failure Mode & Root Cause
Thermal cracking
Cause: Rapid temperature fluctuations during casting cycles causing thermal stress exceeding material limits, often due to improper preheating or cooling water issues.
Chemical corrosion
Cause: Reaction with molten steel slag components (particularly high basicity fluxes) leading to flux infiltration and material degradation, exacerbated by flux composition variations.
Maintenance Indicators
  • Visible surface crazing or spiderweb cracking patterns on mold flux layer
  • Abnormal breakout occurrences or inconsistent steel shell formation indicating flux performance degradation
Engineering Tips
  • Implement strict temperature control protocols including gradual preheating to 800-900°C and controlled cooling rates to minimize thermal shock
  • Maintain consistent flux chemistry through regular compositional analysis and adjust feeding rates based on steel grade and casting speed parameters

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 C928 - Standard Specification for Packaged, Dry, Rapid-Hardening Cementitious Materials for Concrete Repairs DIN 51006 - Thermal Analysis - Thermogravimetry - Principles

Quoted from the published standard.

Manufacturing Precision
  • Particle Size Distribution: +/- 5% of specified range
  • Basicity (CaO/SiO₂ Ratio): +/- 0.1
Quality Inspection
  • X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) Analysis for chemical composition
  • Melting Point and Viscosity Test using high-temperature viscometer

Manufacturers of Continuous Casting Mold Flux

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

Wanhao Refractory
Beijing, CN
Listed on the company's own website · profile compiled by CNFX from public sources

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

Technical documentation
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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the function of continuous casting mold flux?

It melts to form a protective slag layer that prevents oxidation, absorbs inclusions, provides thermal insulation, lubricates the mold-strand interface, and regulates heat transfer to improve surface quality.

What are the typical materials used in mold flux?

Typical materials include silica (SiO2), calcium oxide (CaO), alumina (Al2O3), fluorite (CaF2), and carbon.

How is the basicity index of mold flux defined?

Basicity index is the ratio of CaO to SiO2, typically ranging from 0.9 to 1.3, affecting melting behavior and slag properties.

Why is it important to verify specifications with the manufacturer?

The listed values are reference ranges; actual performance depends on the specific steel grade and casting conditions, so confirm with the supplier for your application.

Data Basis

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

Preliminary Technical Classification
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