Casting Powder
Casting Powder — also referred to as mould flux or tundish covering compound — is a consumable powder material applied to the surface of molten steel in the continuous casting mould or tundish to perform multiple simultaneous metallurgical and operational functions. It is one of the most technically sophisticated consumables in the continuous casting process, directly influencing the surface quality of the cast strand, the thermal profile of the mould, and the cleanliness of the final steel product. Imperial World Trade supplies casting powders formulated for a range of steel grades and casting speeds.
- Thermal Insulation: Forms a liquid slag layer and powder bed that insulates the molten steel surface, preventing heat loss and surface freezing at the meniscus.
- Lubrication: Molten flux layer between the solidifying shell and the copper mould wall reduces friction and prevents sticker breakouts during casting.
- Inclusion Absorption: Chemically engineered to absorb non-metallic inclusions rising from the steel bath, improving final product cleanliness.
- Steel Grade Specific: Formulations available for low carbon, medium carbon, high carbon, stainless, and peritectic steel grades with specific viscosity and melting point profiles.
- Controlled Melting Rate: Powder chemistry and particle size distribution tuned to match casting speed and mould heat flux requirements.
- Tundish Covering Grades: Separate insulating powder grades available for tundish steel surface coverage to minimize heat loss and reoxidation.
Imperial World Trade supplies casting powders with full chemical composition data and application rate guidance, ensuring your continuous casting operation achieves consistent strand surface quality and reduced breakout risk across every heat.
