Mold for continuous casting of metal materials

Abstract

A crystallizer (10) for continuous casting of metallic material, having a crystallizer (13) comprising a plurality of plates (11) defining therebetween a casting channel (12) having a casting direction (X), and wherein at least one of the plates (11) has an inner surface (19) defining the casting channel (12) and an outer surface (20) opposite the inner surface (19), and on the outer surface (20) there is one or more functional grooves (21a) extending longitudinally and having a total length (LU) and a width that is not constant along the total length (LU).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a mold for continuous casting of metal materials (such as steel), which can be used in the field of producing metal products (such as billets, blooms, slabs or other types). Background Art

[0002] In the field of continuous casting of metallic materials, various types of equipment are known, such as molds including crystallizers. One of these molds is described in Italian Industrial Invention Patent No. 102019000001035 granted to the applicant, wherein the crystallizer consists of a plurality of plates 100 ( Figure 4 ), these plates define a casting channel between them, in which the metal material is cast from top to bottom along a vertical casting axis and then gradually solidified to obtain a metal product.

[0003] Typically, the inner surface of the plates 100 of the crystallizer (i.e. the surface defining the casting channel) is generally smooth. On the contrary, on the outer surface 102 of each plate 100, a series of longitudinal grooves 101 of constant width and cross-section are made, which extend parallel to the casting axis.

[0004] Attached to each plate 100 is a respective counter-plate, which is adhered to the outer surface 102 of the plate 100 so as to define, by means of the grooves 101 , a series of cooling channels in which a cooling liquid can flow.

[0005] Furthermore, the opposing plate is provided with holes for feeding the coolant and holes for discharging the coolant, which are arranged along the casting axis corresponding to the ends of the groove 101, respectively.

[0006] One disadvantage of the known mould is the fact that between the moment casting takes place and the moment casting is interrupted, the repetitive cyclic thermal stresses caused by the temperature variations in the casting channel lead to corresponding thermal expansion cycles which mechanically stress the plates 100 of the crystalliser.

[0007] This leads to the formation of cracks in the plate 100, in particular in the region corresponding to the meniscus of the casting of the metallic material, in which the meniscus is formed. The formation of cracks reduces the service life of the crystallizer and requires frequent and expensive maintenance interventions.

[0008] US Pat. No. 4,640,337 A describes a continuous casting apparatus comprising a casting channel peripherally defined by a plate having a plurality of cooling grooves. The cooling grooves have a central portion of constant width and are provided with lateral semicircular curved surfaces formed at regular intervals along the entire length of the grooves, alternating between one side and the other relative to the central portion. This groove configuration has the disadvantage of not being able to function in accordance with the hottest areas of the casting channel (e.g., where the meniscus of the cast metal material is formed).

[0009] Document WO 2011 / 076591 A1 describes a plate suitable for continuous casting equipment, having a cooling side provided with cooling grooves. The plate is provided with rows of transverse holes and longitudinal grooves arranged at regular intervals. The grooves are defined by a single central cavity with a width that can vary at several points along its length; however, this variant has the disadvantage of being ineffective, particularly in areas where more heat is generated.

[0010] Document US2022 / 105559 A1 describes a crystallizer having plates capable of defining internal casting channels. These plates are provided with a fixed surface to which a back plate is attached from the outside by rows of attachment screws. A plurality of longitudinal reinforcing ribs are attached between the fixed surface and the back plate by such screws so as to define respective cooling channels of substantially constant cross-section therebetween. In the cooling channel, a central diverting baffle plate is arranged corresponding to the upper region where the casting meniscus is formed to divert the flow of the coolant present there. However, the structure of the plate is complex and manufacturing is difficult and laborious.

[0011] Document CN 115007816 A describes a plate for a continuous casting mold equipped with multiple longitudinal cooling ribs. The cooling ribs have variable depth and width along their length. Specifically, the ribs have a smaller width corresponding to the high-temperature areas and a larger width corresponding to the transition and low-temperature areas. This is not very effective, considering that the area where the casting meniscus forms is where the highest temperatures may occur and may require greater cooling.

[0012] JP H05154613A describes a mold for continuous casting equipment. The mold is equipped with multiple cooling grooves arranged in a symmetrical branching structure. Specifically, the grooves are connected by inclined grooves, each with a widening portion corresponding to its corners and its center. However, this branching structure is very complex, and the arrangement of the grooves themselves has the disadvantage of providing uniform and non-specific cooling to higher temperature areas.

[0013] Therefore, there is a need for a mold for continuous casting of metallic materials that overcomes at least one of the shortcomings of the prior art.

[0014] To do this, it is necessary to solve the technical problem of improving the cooling of the plates of the crystallizer, in particular in molds for continuous casting where the casting speed and the heat flow to the meniscus are relatively high, for example above about 3.5 m / min.

[0015] In particular, one object of the present invention is to provide a mould for continuous casting which allows more efficient cooling of the plates of the crystalliser, in particular in the region forming the meniscus of the cast of metallic material during use.

[0016] Another object of the present invention is to provide a mould for continuous casting that is economical to produce and has low management and maintenance costs.

[0017] The Applicant has devised, tested and embodied the present invention to overcome the shortcomings of the state of the art and to obtain these and other purposes and advantages. Summary of the Invention

[0018] The invention is set forth and characterized in the independent claims. The dependent claims describe further characteristics of the invention or variants to the main inventive idea.

[0019] In accordance with the above-mentioned objectives, and in order to solve the above-mentioned technical problems in a novel and original manner while achieving considerable advantages over the prior art, a mold for continuous casting of a metal material according to the present invention comprises a crystallizer comprising a plurality of plates, wherein the plurality of plates define a casting channel having a casting direction therebetween, and wherein the metal material can pass through the casting channel according to the casting direction. At least one of the plurality of plates has an inner surface defining the casting channel and an outer surface opposite to the inner surface, and a plurality of grooves are present on the outer surface, wherein the plurality of grooves extend longitudinally in a manner substantially parallel to the casting direction and have a total length. In addition, at least one opposing plate is sealingly attached to the outer surface of each of the plurality of plates to define one or more cooling channels by means of one or more grooves.

[0020] According to one aspect of the present invention, the plurality of grooves include functional grooves having a width measured in a direction substantially parallel to the outer surface and substantially perpendicular to the casting direction, the width being non-constant along the total length, wherein at least one of the functional grooves includes a first segment having a first length and a first width, and at least one second segment fluidically connected to the first segment and having a second length and a second width, the second width being smaller than the first width, and the sum of the first length and the second length defining the total length.

[0021] According to another aspect of the present invention, the functional groove includes at least two second sections, and the at least two second sections are fluidically connected to the first section corresponding to the lower surface of the first section.

[0022] According to another aspect of the present invention, the at least two second segments are parallel to each other and each has the second length and the second width.

[0023] According to another aspect of the present invention, the first section is arranged corresponding to a region of the plate in which a meniscus of the metal material can be formed during casting of the metal material into the casting channel.

[0024] According to another embodiment of the present invention, corresponding to the first section, there are one or more recesses made near the bottom wall of the functional groove to further widen the first section in a direction roughly parallel to the inner surface, and the one or more recesses have the function of preventing hot spots from forming in corresponding points of the inner surface, thereby allowing improved heat exchange and obtaining a uniform temperature distribution corresponding to the meniscus.

[0025] According to another aspect of the present invention, a ratio between the second width and the first width is included in a range between about 0.1 and about 0.3.

[0026] According to another aspect of the present invention, the ratio between the first length and the total length of the functional groove is within a range between about 0.1 and about 0.4.

[0027] According to another aspect of the present invention, a ratio between the second length and the total length of the functional groove is within a range between about 0.08 and about 0.35.

[0028] According to another aspect of the present invention, the number of the functional grooves is at least half of the total number of the grooves formed on the outer surface of the plate.

[0029] According to another aspect of the present invention, each groove in the plurality of grooves is a functional groove.

[0030] According to another aspect of the present invention, a reducer member can be at least partially inserted into the corresponding first section and is configured to occupy at least a portion of the volume of the first section and reduce the flow cross-section of the coolant that can flow therein, thereby increasing and maintaining its high speed.

[0031] According to another aspect of the present invention, the diameter-reducing member includes an insert having a width substantially corresponding to the width and a depth smaller than a depth of the first section, the insert having a size capable of accommodating thermal expansion due to casting.

[0032] According to another aspect of the present invention, the reducing member includes at least two inserts, which cooperate with each other to be inserted into the corresponding first sections, each insert having a depth less than that of the first section and aligned in the length direction of the functional groove, and the inserts have a size capable of accommodating thermal expansion caused by casting.

[0033] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the reducing member includes at least one insert, which is molded in a manner of being inserted into at least two first sections of corresponding adjacent functional grooves, and the insert has a depth less than the depth of the first sections and a size capable of accommodating thermal expansion caused by the casting.

[0034] According to another aspect of the present invention, each insert is provided with one or more locating pins, which protrude laterally relative to the insert and are configured to be inserted into corresponding locating seats constructed on corresponding side surfaces of the first section, and the pins have a size that can accommodate thermal expansion caused by the casting.

[0035] According to some embodiments, each insert is made in one piece.

[0036] According to other embodiments, each insert comprises at least two parts which are connectable to one another and are formed in such a way as to be inserted together into at least the first section.

[0037] The invention also relates to a plate configured to define a portion of a casting channel of a crystallizer of a mold for continuous casting of metallic material, having the characteristics described above. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0038] These and other aspects, features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description of some embodiments given as non-limiting examples, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0039] - Figure 1 、 Figure 2 and Figure 3 are two top views of two embodiments of a mold for continuous casting according to the present invention;

[0040] - Figure 4 is a rear view of a portion of a mold according to the prior art;

[0041] - Figure 5 is a rear view of a portion of an embodiment of a mold according to the present invention;

[0042] - Figure 6 It is along Figure 5 A cross-sectional view taken along plane VI-VI of a portion of

[0043] - Figure 7 is a rear view of a portion of another embodiment of a mold according to the present invention;

[0044] - Figure 8 is a rear view of a portion of another embodiment of a mold according to the present invention;

[0045] - Figure 9 yes Figure 5 、 Figure 7 or Figure 8 Magnified image of;

[0046] - Figure 10 is an enlarged view of another embodiment of a portion of a mold according to the present invention;

[0047] - Figure 11 and Figure 12 yes Figure 9 Sectional view according to plane XI-XI;

[0048] - Figure 13 yes Figure 11 A cross-sectional view according to plane XIII-XIII;

[0049] - Figure 14 and Figure 15 yes Figure 9 A cross-sectional view according to plane XIV-XIV;

[0050] - Figure 16 and Figure 17 yes Figure 9 A cross-sectional view according to plane XVI-XVI;

[0051] - Figure 18 is a three-dimensional and partially exploded view of a portion of an embodiment of a mold according to the present invention;

[0052] - Figure 19 and Figure 22 are rear views of portions of two different embodiments of molds according to the present invention;

[0053] - Figure 20 and Figure 21 yes Figure 19 Sections according to planes XX-XX and XXI-XXI.

[0054] We must clarify that the words and terms used in this description, as well as the figures in the drawings, also because of how they are described, have the sole function of better illustrating and explaining the present invention, providing non-limiting examples of the invention itself, since the scope of protection is defined by the claims.

[0055] To facilitate understanding, identical reference numerals have been used, where possible, to identify identical common elements in the drawings. It will be appreciated that elements and features of one embodiment may be conveniently combined or incorporated into other embodiments without further explanation. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0056] Reference Figure 1 、 Figure 2 and Figure 3 The mold 10 according to the present invention includes a crystallizer 13, which is formed by a plurality of plates 11 arranged relative to each other to define a casting channel 12, the casting channel 12 having a casting direction X, and in which a metal material (such as steel) in a liquid state can be cast.

[0057] According to the prior art, the number and dimensions of the plates 11 are chosen according to the shape and dimensions to be imparted to the cast metal product at the exit of the mould 10 .

[0058] For example, according to Figure 1 In one embodiment schematically shown in FIG, the crystallizer 13 comprises four plates 11, which may have different or substantially the same size and are arranged two by two opposite to each other to define a casting channel 12 with a substantially rectangular or square cross section.

[0059] On the other hand, according to Figure 2 In another embodiment schematically shown in FIG, the crystallizer 13 comprises two plates 11 having a greater width than the other two plates 11, so as to define a casting channel 12 having a substantially rectangular cross section (e.g. suitable for producing flat metal products). Figure 2 In the embodiment of , the two plates 11 with the greatest width are not completely flat, but each has a concave central portion 14 called a "funnel" defining a widening of the casting channel 12 for introducing a casting nozzle of enormous dimensions.

[0060] Figure 3 Another configuration of the mould 10 is shown, the mould 10 being provided with two plates 11 having a greater width than the other two plates 11, wherein the larger plates are straight throughout their length. Such a mould is particularly useful for casting thin slabs.

[0061] Each plate 11 comprises an upper edge 15 for the entry of the cast metal material and a lower edge 16 for the exit of the same cast material. The two edges 15 and 16 are substantially perpendicular to the casting direction X.

[0062] Each plate 11 has an inner surface 19 defining the casting channel 12 and an outer surface 20 opposite the inner surface 19 and thus facing the outside of the mold 10 .

[0063] A plurality of grooves 21 ( Figure 5 ), the length of these grooves extending in a direction roughly parallel to the casting direction X.

[0064] Attached to the outer surface 20 of each plate 11 is a corresponding opposing plate 40 ( Figure 6 ), the opposing plate 40 has an inner surface 42 that cooperates with the outer surface 20 of the plate 11, thereby generating a plurality of cooling channels 44 through the grooves 21. Cooling liquid L( Figure 6 ) may flow in the cooling channels 44 to cool the plate 11, particularly the inner surface 19 thereof, thereby promoting solidification of the metallic material flowing in contact therewith, as occurs in the prior art.

[0065] The total length LU of each groove 21 ( Figure 5 ) is approximately equal to or slightly smaller than the height H of the corresponding plate 11 and is, for example, between about 650 mm and about 1250 mm.

[0066] Some embodiments of the present invention provide that the depth of each groove 21 extends in the direction of the thickness S of the plate 11, and the depth PR of each groove 21 ( Figure 11 ) is between 20% and 80%, preferably between 40% and 60%, even more preferably 50%, of the thickness S of the corresponding plate 11 .

[0067] Furthermore, advantageously, the thickness S of the plate 11 and the depth PR of each groove 21 are constant along the entire total length LU.

[0068] According to one aspect of the invention, the plurality of grooves 21 comprises at least one functional groove 21a having a width, measured in a direction parallel to the outer surface 20 and perpendicular to the casting direction X, which is not constant along its total length LU.

[0069] According to some embodiments of the present invention, a portion of the groove 21 is a functional groove 21a ( Figure 7 or Figure 8 ).

[0070] In this case, preferably, the number of the functional grooves 21 a is at least half of the total number of the grooves 21 made on the outer surface 20 of each plate 11 .

[0071] The functional grooves 21a may be grouped in specific portions of the plate 11. For example, Figure 7 An embodiment is shown in which the functional grooves 21a are grouped in the central portion of the plate, while Figure 8 An embodiment is shown in which the functional grooves 21 a are grouped into two different groups, a first group being arranged on a first side of the plate 11 and a second group being arranged on a second side of the same plate 11 .

[0072] According to other embodiments of the present invention, each groove 21 in the plurality of grooves 21 is a functional groove 21a ( Figure 5 ).

[0073] Each functional groove 21 a includes a first section 22 or upper section having a first length LU1 of, for example, between about 100 mm and about 400 mm and one or more second sections 23 and 24 or lower sections in fluid communication with the first section 22 .

[0074] Each of the second sections 23 and 24 has a second length LU2 that is greater than the first length LU1 and is, for example, between about 550 mm and about 1000 mm.

[0075] Furthermore, the first segment 22 has a first width LA1, for example, between about 15 mm and about 50 mm, while each of the second segments 23 and 24 has a second width LA2 that is smaller than the first width LA1, for example, between about 3 mm and about 15 mm, i.e., substantially equal to the width of a groove of known type, which remains constant along the entire length.

[0076] Other embodiments may provide a single second segment 23 or 24, or even more than two second segments fluidly connected to the first segment 22. For example, Figure 10 The embodiment of FIG. 1 provides two second sections 23 , 24 and another second section fluidly connected to the first section 22 .

[0077] Obviously, the number of second sections 23 , 24 fluidly connected to the first section 22 may vary depending on the choices made during construction and the dimensions of the crystallizer 13 .

[0078] The first section 22 is advantageously arranged in the vicinity of the upper edge 15 of the plate 11 and in particular in the region of the meniscus M of the casting of metallic material which forms during use.

[0079] The width LA1 of the first section 22 allows for a high cooling efficiency and for preventing or at least reducing the formation of cracks and fractures due to thermal fatigue, which typically exists in the region forming the meniscus M of the casting.

[0080] In the embodiment shown in the drawings, each functional groove 21a includes two second sections 23, 24 ( Figure 5 and Figure 9 ), the two second segments 23, 24 are parallel to each other and each has a width corresponding to the second width LA2.

[0081] Furthermore, the two second sections 23 , 24 join one another in the vicinity of the lower edge 16 of the respective plate 11 .

[0082] Optionally, at least one second section 23 or 24 is inclined relative to the thickness S of the plate 11 .

[0083] The ratio of the second width LA2 to the first width LA1 is preferably within a range of about 0.1 to about 0.3. The ratio of the first length LU1 to the total length LU of the functional groove 21a is preferably within a range of about 0.1 to about 0.4. In addition, the ratio of the second length LU2 to the total length LU of the functional groove 21a is within a range of about 0.08 to about 0.35.

[0084] The first section 22 is defined by a generally rectangular cavity 25 ( Figure 11 ), the cavity having a bottom surface 26 parallel to the inner surface 19 of the plate 11, two side surfaces 27, an upper surface 29 and a lower surface 30.

[0085] The upper surface 29 is concave to connect with the bottom surface 26, and the lower surface 30 is configured to connect the first segment 22 with the two second segments 23, 24. In other words, the two second segments 23, 24 are connected to the first segment 22 corresponding to the lower surface 30 of the first segment 22.

[0086] In each functional groove 21 a , the combination of the first segment 22 and the at least one second segment 23 , 24 having the above-described characteristics allows for improving and optimizing the cooling function performed by the coolant L on the metal material.

[0087] According to one embodiment of the present invention, there are also more than one recess 31 corresponding to the first section 22, and in the example provided here, there are two ( Figure 11 and Figure 13 ). Recesses 31 are formed corresponding to or near the bottom wall 26 of the functional groove 21a so as to further widen the first section 22 in a direction parallel to the inner surface 19 of the plate 11. Each recess 31 advantageously has the function of preventing the formation of hot spots at corresponding points on the inner surface 19, thereby allowing for improved heat exchange and obtaining a uniform temperature distribution corresponding to the meniscus M.

[0088] The diameter reducing member 32 ( Figure 11 、 Figure 12 and Figure 18 ) is arranged corresponding to the first section 22 of each functional groove 21a and is inserted into the cavity 25, occupying a part of its volume so as to reduce the flow cross section of the cooling liquid L.

[0089] This allows maintaining a high speed of the cooling liquid L even with respect to the first section 22 , although it is wider than the two second sections 23 , 24 .

[0090] The cross-section reducing member 32 comprises an insert 33 having a width LA3 ( Figure 15 and Figure 17), and has a depth PR1 smaller than the depth PR of the functional groove 21a into which it is inserted.

[0091] Obviously, the insert 33 has dimensions suitable for accommodating thermal expansion that may occur during casting. For example, there may be some mechanical light between the insert 33 and the edge of the functional groove 21a to allow the insert 33 to be withdrawn from the cavity 25 when necessary.

[0092] Furthermore, the insert 33 may be made of a material preferably selected from the group consisting of stainless steel, copper-aluminum bronze, PTFE (e.g. Teflon), aluminum-copper alloys or other materials transparent to the electromagnetic field acting corresponding to the meniscus region due to the electromagnetic stirrer.

[0093] Furthermore, the outer surface 34 ( Figure 17 ) is preferably coplanar with the outer surface 20 of the plate 11, which comprises a functional groove 21a into which the insert 33 is inserted.

[0094] The insert 33 may be realized in a single body or in more than one body, for example two or more coupling parts that can be inserted into the cavity 25 and fixed together by interlocking mechanical means (for example by screws or the like).

[0095] In a first example, the insert 33 is made as a single body ( Figure 18 ).

[0096] Alternatively, Figures 19 to 21 Another example is shown, in which the insert 33 includes a first part 38 and a second part 39 that are arranged side by side along the width of the functional groove 21a and are formed to fit each other. For example, the first part 38 can partially overlap the second part 39, or vice versa, and two attachment screws 41 ( Figure 20 ) The two parts 38 and 39 are joined together corresponding to their overlapping areas.

[0097] Furthermore, in the latter example, the insert 33 may be inserted into the two first sections 22 of two adjacent functional grooves 21 a.

[0098] Alternatively or additionally, as Figure 22 As shown, the two inserts 33 can be at least partially inserted into the same functional groove 21a and aligned in the direction of the length L of the functional groove 21a. The two inserts 33 cooperate with each other to be inserted into the corresponding first segment 22, and each has a depth PR1 that is less than the depth PR of the cavity 25 of the first segment 22.

[0099] The insert 33 is provided with one or more (eg four) positioning pins 35 ( Figure 18) is held in place, the locating pins 35 project laterally relative to the insert 33 and are configured to be inserted into corresponding locating seats 36 made on the side surface 27 of the cavity 25 into which the locating pins 35 are inserted.

[0100] Furthermore, each pin 35 has dimensions within its respective seat 36 suitable for accommodating thermal expansion that may occur during the casting operation.

[0101] Each opposing plate 40 comprises an inlet aperture 43 in communication with a distribution manifold 45 which in turn is in fluid communication with each recess 21 of the plate 11. Preferably, the distribution manifold 45 is in fluid communication with the upper portion of each recess 21 of the plate 11.

[0102] Furthermore, the opposing plate 40 further comprises a collecting manifold 46 in fluid communication both with the ends of the respective grooves 21 and with drain holes 47 formed in the opposing plate 40 to allow draining and recovery of the cooling liquid L. Preferably, the collecting manifold 46 is in fluid communication with the lower portion of the respective grooves 21 of the plate 11 .

[0103] In order to stably and sealingly attach the counter plate 40 to the plate 11, a series of blind attachment holes 49 ( Figure 9 ), and at the same time, a series of through holes 50 ( Figure 17 ), the through holes 50 are arranged in alignment with the corresponding blind attachment holes 49.

[0104] The screws 51 pass through the respective through holes 50 and are attached to the blind attachment holes 49 of the plate 11, and stably join the opposing plate 40 to the plate 11. Obviously, the screws 51 may be replaced by other suitable attachment members such as studs or threaded rods.

[0105] Furthermore, each recess 31 is formed so as not to interfere with the blind attachment hole 49 while allowing for better cooling of the plate 11 even in its vicinity. For example, the recess 31 may be made in such a way as to bypass the blind attachment hole 49 arranged in its vicinity ( Figure 11 、 Figure 14 and Figure 16 ).

[0106] Thanks to the novel and original technical solution brought to the cooling device, namely the functional grooves 21a which may be integrated with the corresponding recesses 31, the above-mentioned mold 10 allows relatively high casting speeds to be achieved (for example higher than about 3.5 m / min), and therefore also allows heat to flow to the meniscus M, while ensuring excellent cooling of the plate 11, in particular in the region of the meniscus M.

[0107] Obviously, modifications and / or additions of parts may be made to the mold 10 for continuous casting of metallic materials described above without departing from the scope of the present invention as defined by the claims.

[0108] It is also clear that although the invention has been described with reference to some specific examples, those skilled in the art should be able to realize other equivalent forms of molds for continuous casting of metallic materials, which have the characteristics claimed in the claims and therefore all fall within the scope of protection defined by the claims.

[0109] In the following claims, the sole purpose of references in parentheses is to facilitate reading: they should not be construed as limiting factors as to the scope of protection defined by the claims.

Claims

1. A mold (10) for continuous casting of a metallic material, comprising a crystallizer (13) comprising a plurality of plates (11), the plurality of plates (11) defining between them a casting channel (12) having a casting direction (X), the metallic material being able to pass in the casting channel (12) according to the casting direction (X), and wherein at least one of the plurality of plates (11) has an inner surface (19) defining the casting channel (12) and an outer surface (20) opposite to the inner surface (19), and wherein a plurality of grooves (21) are present on the outer surface (20), the plurality of grooves (21) extending longitudinally in a manner substantially parallel to the casting direction (X) and having a total length (LU), wherein on the outer surface (20) of each of the plurality of plates (11) there is at least one opposing plate (40) sealingly attached to define one or more cooling channels (44) by means of the one or more grooves (21), characterized in that The plurality of grooves (21) include at least one functional groove (21a), the at least one functional groove (21a) having a width measured in a direction substantially parallel to the outer surface (20) and substantially perpendicular to the casting direction (X), the width being non-constant along the total length (LU), wherein the at least one functional groove (21a) includes a first section (22) having a first length (LU1) and a first width (LA1), and at least one second section (23, 24) in fluid communication with the first section (22) and having a second length (LU2) and a second width (LA2), the second width (LA2) being smaller than the first width (LA1), and the sum of the first length (LU1) and the second length (LU2) defining the total length (LU).

2. The mold (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that The functional groove (21a) includes at least two second sections (23, 24), and the at least two second sections (23, 24) are fluidically connected to the first section (22) corresponding to the lower surface (30) of the first section (22).

3. The mold (10) according to claim 2, characterized in that The at least two second segments (23, 24) are parallel to each other and each have the second length (LU2) and the second width (LA2).

4. The mold (10) according to claim 1, 2 or 3, characterized in that The first section (22) is arranged corresponding to a region of the plate (11) in which a meniscus (M) of the metal material can be formed during casting of the metal material into the casting channel (12).

5. The mold (10) according to claim 4, characterized in that Corresponding to the first section (22), there are one or more recesses (31) made near the bottom wall (26) of the functional groove (21a) so as to further widen the first section (22) in a direction substantially parallel to the inner surface (19), the recesses (31) having the function of preventing hot spots from forming in corresponding points of the inner surface (19), thereby allowing improved heat exchange and obtaining a uniform temperature distribution corresponding to the meniscus (M).

6. The mold (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that A ratio between the second width (LA2) and the first width (LA1) is included in a range between about 0.1 and about 0.

3.

7. The mold (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that A ratio between the first length (LU1) and the total length (LU) of the functional groove (21a) is comprised within a range between about 0.1 and about 0.

4.

8. The mold (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that A ratio between the second length (LU2) and the total length (LU) of the functional groove (21a) is comprised within a range between about 0.08 and about 0.

35.

9. The mold (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The number of the functional grooves (21a) is at least half of the total number of the grooves (21) formed on the outer surface (20) of the plate (11).

10. The mold (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that Each groove (21) among the plurality of grooves (21) is a functional groove (21a).

11. The mold (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The reducing member (32) is at least partially inserted into the corresponding first section (22) and is configured to occupy at least a portion of the volume of the first section (22) and reduce the flow cross-section of the cooling liquid (L) that can flow therein, thereby increasing and maintaining its high speed.

12. The mold (10) according to claim 11, characterized in that The reducing member (32) includes an insert (33) having a width (LA3) substantially corresponding to the width (LA1) and a depth (PR1) less than the depth (PR) of the first section (22), the insert (33) having dimensions capable of accommodating thermal expansion due to the casting.

13. The mold (10) according to claim 11, characterized in that The reducing member (32) includes at least two inserts (33), which cooperate with each other to be inserted into the corresponding first section (22), each insert having a depth (PR1) smaller than the depth (PR) of the first section (22) and are aligned in the direction of the length (L) of the functional groove (21a), and the inserts (33) have a size capable of accommodating thermal expansion caused by the casting.

14. The mold (10) according to claim 11, characterized in that The reducing member (32) includes at least one insert (33) formed in such a manner as to be inserted into at least two first sections (22) of corresponding adjacent functional grooves (21a), the insert (33) having a depth (PR1) smaller than a depth (PR) of the first sections (22) and a size capable of accommodating thermal expansion due to the casting.

15. The mold (10) according to any one of claims 12 to 14, characterized in that Each insert (33) is provided with one or more locating pins (35) which project laterally relative to the insert and are configured to be inserted into corresponding locating seats (36) constructed on corresponding side surfaces (27) of the first section (22), the pins (35) having a size capable of accommodating thermal expansion due to the casting.

16. The mold (10) according to any one of claims 12 to 15, characterized in that Each insert (33) is made in one piece.

17. The mold (10) according to any one of claims 12 to 15, characterized in that Each insert (33) comprises at least two parts (38, 39) which are connectable to one another and are formed in such a way that they can be inserted together into at least the first section (22).

18. A plate (11) configured to define a portion of a casting channel (12) of a crystallizer (13) of a mold (10) for continuous casting of a metallic material, the plate (11) comprising an inner surface (19) configured to define the casting channel (12) and an outer surface (20) opposite the inner surface (19), and having a plurality of grooves (21) extending longitudinally and having a total length (LU) on the outer surface (20), wherein the outer surface (20) is configured to be coupled to at least one opposing plate (40) so as to define one or more cooling channels (44) by means of the one or more grooves (21), characterized in that The plurality of grooves (21) include at least one functional groove (21a), the at least one functional groove (21a) having a width measured in a direction generally parallel to the outer surface (20), the width being non-constant along the total length (LU), wherein the at least one functional groove (21a) includes a first segment (22) having a first length (LU1) and a first width (LA1), and at least one second segment (23, 24) in fluid communication with the first segment (22) and having a second length (LU2) and a second width (LA2), the second width (LA2) being smaller than the first width (LA1), and the sum of the first length (LU1) and the second length (LU2) defining the total length (LU).

19. The plate (11) according to claim 18, characterized in that The functional groove (21a) includes at least two second sections (23, 24), and the at least two second sections (23, 24) are fluidically connected to the first section (22) corresponding to the lower surface (30) of the first section (22).

20. The plate according to claim 19, characterized in that The at least two second segments (23, 24) are parallel to each other and each have the second length (LU2) and the second width (LA2).

21. A plate (11) according to claim 18, 19 or 20, characterised in that The first section (22) is made in such a way that, during use, it is arranged to correspond to a region where a meniscus (M) of the metal material can be formed during casting of the metal material.

22. The plate (11) according to claim 21, characterized in that Corresponding to the first section (22), there are one or more recesses (31) made near the bottom wall (26) of the functional groove (21a) to further widen the first section (22) in a direction roughly parallel to the inner surface (19), and the recesses (31) have the function of preventing hot spots from being formed in corresponding points of the inner surface (19), thereby allowing to improve heat exchange and obtain a uniform temperature distribution corresponding to the meniscus (M).

23. A plate (11) according to any one of claims 18 to 22, characterised in that A ratio between the second width (LA2) and the first width (LA1) is included in a range between about 0.1 and about 0.

3.

24. A plate (11) according to any one of claims 18 to 23, characterised in that A ratio between the first length (LU1) and the total length (LU) of the functional groove (21a) is comprised within a range between about 0.1 and about 0.

4.

25. A plate (11) according to any one of claims 18 to 24, characterised in that A ratio between the second length (LU2) and the total length (LU) of the functional groove (21a) is comprised within a range between about 0.08 and about 0.

35.

26. A plate (11) according to any one of claims 18 to 25, characterised in that The number of the functional grooves (21a) is at least half of the total number of the grooves (21) formed on the outer surface (20) of the plate (11).

27. A plate (11) according to any one of claims 18 to 26, characterised in that Each groove (21) among the plurality of grooves (21) is a functional groove (21a).

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