Current Trends in Production of Steel Strip

This review discusses the historical development and current trends in the continuous casting of steel strips, which is pivotal for producing high-quality steel products. The primary objective is to analyze the advancements in strip casting technology, particularly focusing on innovations in the casting process, strip quality, and the economic implications of the production methods. A comprehensive literature survey was conducted, reviewing business and scientific publications related to continuous casting, specifically emphasizing strip casting as a new generation of casting technologies. The paper outlines the advantages of producing strips directly from liquid steel and highlights differences in production methodologies across integrated and specialized mills. It establishes a clear definition of thin strips, delineating thicknesses of 0.1 to 5.0 mm while acknowledging that the review does not extend to thicker strips or foils with varied structures. Results indicate that while significant strides have been made, challenges remain in achieving consistent quality and economic viability in large-scale production. The emphasis on research and development expenditures suggests a growing interest in overcoming these challenges and improving the strip casting process. Lastly, this review aims to serve as a foundational understanding for further studies and innovations within the domain.