How to Choose the Right Horizontal Continuous Casting Machine？

How to Choose the Right Horizontal Continuous Casting Machine

Selecting the right Horizontal Continuous Casting Machine (HCCM) is a critical step for ensuring production efficiency, product quality, and long-term return on investment. With various models, capacities, and configurations available, here are the key factors to consider when choosing the best solution for your operation.

1. Define Your Casting Material

The first step is to identify the type of metal or alloy you plan to cast. Different materials require specific melting points, mold types, and cooling strategies.

• Pure Copper / ETP Copper

• Copper Alloys: Brass, Bronze, Cu-Ni, etc.

• Aluminum, Zinc, or Magnesium Alloys

Ensure the furnace and mold design are compatible with the material’s properties (melting point, thermal conductivity, flow behavior).

2. Determine Product Shape & Size

Horizontal continuous casting can produce various profiles:

• Rods (e.g., Ø8mm – Ø100mm)

• Billets or Ingots (e.g., 50×50mm to 300×300mm)

• Strips or Slabs (e.g., 8–40mm thickness)

• Hollow Tubes or Custom Profiles

Choose a machine with appropriate mold systems and pulling mechanisms for your desired shape and dimensional accuracy.

3. Evaluate Production Capacity

Match the machine's capacity to your expected output:

• Casting Speed: Usually 0.5–6 m/min

• Strand Quantity: Single-strand or multi-strand machines (1–8 strands)

• Hourly Output: 0.5 to 30 tons/hour depending on configuration

For mass production, opt for multi-strand systems and higher-speed pullers.

4. Heating & Holding Furnace Requirements

• Melting Furnace Type:

  • Induction furnace (for high-efficiency and alloy flexibility)

  • Resistance furnace (for precise temperature control)

• Holding Furnace:
  Maintains stable molten metal flow into the mold

Check whether the furnace supports continuous feeding from scrap, cathode, or ingots.

5. Automation & Control System

• PLC / HMI Interface: For real-time temperature, speed, and flow monitoring

• Sensor Integration: For fault detection and process feedback

• Remote Diagnostics: Useful for large-scale or remote operations

An intelligent control system minimizes manual intervention and improves safety.

6. Cooling System Design

• Mold Cooling: Graphite mold with internal water channels

• Secondary Cooling Zone: Ensures rapid and uniform solidification

• Water Quality Management: Prevents scale and ensures cooling efficiency

 Poor cooling control can cause shrinkage defects and surface cracks.

7. Cutting and Handling Options

• Automatic Cut-to-Length Systems

• Flying Saws or Hydraulic Shears

• Discharge Tables / Coilers