In the world of steel production, precision and quality are paramount, especially when it comes to austenitic stainless steel—a material widely used in the energy sector for its excellent corrosion resistance and durability. A recent study published in *Teshugang* (which translates to *Iron and Steel* in English) by lead author Wang Baofeng, affiliated with an undisclosed institution, has shed new light on optimizing the mould taper design for slab casting, potentially revolutionizing the way stainless steel is produced.
The research focuses on the quality issues that arise during the continuous casting (concasting) of austenitic stainless steel slabs. Specifically, Wang Baofeng and his team analyzed the taper of the mould used for 1260 mm×160 mm slab casting at the No. 3 steelmaking shop of Taiyuan Iron and Steel. Their findings suggest that adopting a two-taper mould design—where a larger taper is used near the liquid surface (80～200 mm) and a smaller taper is applied at the mould bottom (200～800 mm from the liquid surface)—is more effective than a single-taper mould.
“This two-taper approach aligns better with the shrinkage behavior of the casting slab within the mould,” Wang Baofeng explained. “By carefully adjusting the taper, we can significantly reduce defects such as narrow face bulging and concave, which are common issues in traditional single-taper designs.”
The team’s calculations and analyses considered various process parameters, including casting speed and the degree of molten steel overheating, to understand their impact on slab shrinkage. Based on these insights, they designed a curve taper mould, which underwent successful production tests. The results were promising: the quality of the casting slab improved markedly, with notable reductions in defects.
For the energy sector, these findings are particularly significant. Austenitic stainless steel is a critical material in energy infrastructure, from power plants to renewable energy systems. Improving the quality and consistency of slab casting can lead to more reliable and cost-effective production of components used in these applications. As Wang Baofeng noted, “The two-taper mould design not only enhances product quality but also has the potential to reduce waste and increase efficiency, which are key factors for any industry.”
The research published in *Teshugang* highlights the importance of continuous innovation in metallurgical processes. As the energy sector continues to evolve, the demand for high-quality materials will only grow. This study provides a valuable blueprint for future developments in stainless steel production, offering a pathway to more efficient and defect-free manufacturing.
In an industry where even minor improvements can have substantial commercial impacts, Wang Baofeng’s work is a testament to the power of scientific inquiry and its potential to drive progress. As the energy sector looks to the future, the insights from this research could play a pivotal role in shaping the next generation of stainless steel production.