Belt shape stabilization in continuous twin-belt casting machines

Thermal deflections of belts, called "belt buckling", in continuous twin-belt casting machines have been one of the main limitations in the further development of this technology. Belt buckling results not only in distortions of the cast metal slab/strip shape, but more importantly, in the metal surface quality and metallurgical properties of alloys. During the last several years, new methods have been developed to resolve this problem. These methods are based on usage of magnetic and hydrodynamic forces. This paper describes a mechanism of the thermal deflections and presents concepts, designs, comparison, mathematical descriptions and experimental data relating to traditional and novel remedies that reduce these deflections by more than two orders of magnitude.