Lifetime Extension of Ingot Casting Molds

Due to high thermal loads subjected on the mold during casting process, cracks appear after a limited number of casting cycles. This article provides an overview of influence factors, as well as measures to increase the lifetime of ingot molds. Therefore metallurgical research is combined with numerical simulation to optimize casting process. Occurring internal stresses (initial and evolution through thermal cycles) are determined and linked to measures to reduce them.