4. Metallurgical aspects of slabs

4.1 Dimensions. Geometric quality

Let's not forget the extreme variety of dimensions of daughter slabs that can be cut from mother slabs with :

• lengths of 8 to 10 m or more;

• widths from 1.8 to 2.3 m ;

• thicknesses from 150 to 400 mm.

The good internal health of the slabs means they can be cut longitudinally or transversely with very little risk of redhibitory defects appearing in the edge of the cuts.

The edges of the slabs are perfectly straight, but care must be taken to ensure that the spacers are not deformed in service, particularly the lower spacer, which is subject to the highest thermal stress.