2. Downstream of continuous casting: rolling mills

2.1 Cutting and evacuation

The position of the cut is fundamental to machine dimensioning. This is where solidification must be completed.

On leaving the machine, the products are marked, cut to predetermined lengths to minimize mill upsets, cooled on special stretchers, observed if necessary, repaired and transported by railcar to be loaded into the rolling mill furnace.

The cut can be made :

• flame cutting (most frequently for slabs and blooms);

• by shearing; billets ( $⩽$ 130 × 130 mm ² ) and strip casting are sheared...