1. Equipment

1.1 Different types of machines

So-called traditional machines originate from vertical continuous casting, where the product is cast, solidified, extracted and cut vertically, before being inclined for evacuation. The major drawback of this type of machine is its excessive height when high production levels are required, a disadvantage that is exacerbated when the rolling mill requires long semi-finished products. Initially, to reduce this height, we sought to bend the product after solidification and extraction, so that cutting and evacuation would take place horizontally: this was the bent vertical mill (now practically extinct). Then, with the same concern to save height, we moved on to a machine where the curvature is given right from the ingot mould, thanks to its shape; this...