Understanding Defects in Continuous Casting Billets

Continuous casting is a critical process in modern steelmaking, transforming molten steel into solid billets, blooms, or slabs. This method enhances efficiency by allowing the production of steel products in continuous lengths with uniform cross-sections. Despite its advantages, the continuous casting process is susceptible to various defects that can compromise the quality and structural integrity of the final steel billets. Therefore, thorough inspection and defect detection are vital. Identifying and mitigating defects such as cracks, dents, and inclusions ensures the production of high-quality steel, essential for maintaining performance standards and reducing material wastage in downstream applications.

Below is a 3D animation illustrates the Continuous Casting Process

Continuous Casting Defects

In continuous casting, various defects can arise during the solidification of liquid steel into billets. These defects, such as longitudinal and transverse cracks, angular cracks, star cracks, dents, air holes, interruptions in physical continuity, and slag point defects, impact the quality of the final product. Each defect has a distinct shape and specific causes, ranging from thermal and mechanical stresses to material composition and process parameters. Understanding these defects and their origins is crucial for optimizing production and enhancing billet quality.