An experimental study of the strip casting process of aluminum alloy by the twin roll method

Experimental studies on the twin roll casting process in order to produce thin aluminum alloy strips are presented in this paper. A new twin roll caster was developed as an effective experimental tool. The caster is equipped with a complete casting system incorporating a control and measuring system using multiple sensors and various actuators. The data acquisition system of the caster can measure various process parameters including meniscus, casting speed, and temperature as well as roll gap and pressure. With this system, aluminum alloy thin strips were manufactured and the process parameters such as strip temperature, casting velocity, and pressing force of roll were investigated. Furthermore, the crystallizability, microstructure, and mechanical properties of the strip are evaluated by X-ray diffractometer, scanning electron microscope, and tensile test. The results revealed the ability of the twin roll caster to produce directly the thin strip of aluminum alloy with improved mechanical strength.