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Strip Casting Technology

Strip casting technology is the most recent innovative steel casting technology that integrates casting and rolling; thus, reheating the steel is avoided. In this case study, we evaluate the effect of government R&D support on the development of strip casting technology. The original roots of strip casting technology go back to the 19th century. Bessemer, one of the classical inventors of the steel industry, applied for a patent in 1857. After renewed interest in strip casting technology arose between 1980 and 1985, a robust and large technology network emerged. The eleven micro-networks were remarkably homogeneous, a large steelmaker and a machine supplier or engineer. The steel manufacturers took the lead. Six of the eleven micro-networks are still active. Three of them operate strip casting technology on an industrial scale. They needed about fifteen years to achieve this state. The major argument for developing strip casting technology has been the need to reduce the capital intensity of hot rolling. This is especially attractive for small-capacity facilities such as mini-mills and stainless steel facilities. Bessemer was already aware of the huge advantages of direct casting. The introduction of conventional continuous casting (1952), maturing of this conventional technology, the steel crises in the seventies, and the rise of stainless steel and mini-mills had to occur before strip casting technology became the centre of casting R&D activities. Between 1975 and 1985, technologists started looking for more compact casting technologies. Various national governments and the European Coal and Steel Community (ECSC) contributed 5 to 10% of the total expenditure. In three micro-networks, R&D support was more than 40%. These micro-networks stopped R&D activities or deliberately continued on a pilot scale. The three micro-networks that are ahead in developing strip casting technology did not obtain any external R&D support. The major conclusion of this chapter is that the effect of government R&D support on the development of strip casting technology has been minimal. The development proved to have a strong momentum of its own. Strip casting affects the core of steel business; its development was loosely influenced by energy-efficiency improvements or by government R&D support.