Repair and restoration of crystallizers of continuous casting machines

This article provides an overview of the repair process of copper plates of continuous casting machines (CCM). Technological purpose of this element of the machine is briefly described. Materials and types of crystallizers of CCM are considered. Principal physical and mechanical requirements imposed on material and technical characteristics of copper plates of crystallizers are listed. The article contains the main state standard specifications on grades of alloys of copper plates. Foreign analogs of materials of which crystallizers are made are also given. The reasons and nature of wear of the working surface of crystallizers are described in detail. Main types of defects as a result of which this element of the machine is removed from installation and goes to repair are also given. Two main ways of repair of copper plates of crystallizers are noted. The most widespread options of compositions of the restored copper layer and the combined sheetings are listed. The separate attention is paid to processes of chromium plating and nickel plating, advantages and shortcomings of these types of coverings are briefly described. Various configurations of protective coatings are also considered. The method of creation of sheetings with stepwise and conic configuration on working surfaces of crystallizers by means of galvanization is considered. On the basis of studying of the material given in article conclusions are drawn on prospects of development of technologies of repair and restoration of a working surface of crystallizers of continuous casting machines.