Integrated technology for casting-crystallization heat treatment in the continuous casting of high-speed steels

A new method has been developed for obtaining cast metal products. The method is based on combining crystallization processes and processes which occur during heat treatment of the crystallizing metal in a single production cycle (CCHT).For the first time in domestic practice, combined cycles of CCHT have been used in the continuous casting of high-speed steel R6M5 on a radial continuous caster. The casting was done at the Serp i Molot plant.Replacing casting in ingot molds by continuous casting shortens the production cycle for high-speed steels by a factor of more than eight and decreases the number of processing operations and conversions threefold. It has also been shown that it is possible to roll high-speed steel cast on a continuous caster by the proposed technology, without the need for forging.The quality of finished products of steel R6M5 made by the new technology meets the requirements of GOST 19265-73. Tools made from an experimental batch of the steel lasted 20% longer than tools made from steel produced by the usual technology.