Effects of Nickel Coating of Mold Plates on Star Crack Defects

Abstract

Star crack defects encountered during the continuous casting of slab are elucidated in the current article. Trials were carried out to obtain basic information on the behavior of the star cracks under same casting conditions for different grade materials. It is important that star cracks form in the mold, and increase later in the casting process during the straightening. Star crack defects are clearly seen when using copper-based molds. The influences of steel carbon content, material grades, and mold type have been discussed. It is believed that defects in continuously cast products are minimized while using a nickel-coated mold wall in casting.