molds for continuous casting of metal materials

Abstract

A mold (10) for continuous casting of a metal material, comprising a crystallization apparatus (13) composed of a plurality of plates (11), wherein a casting channel (12) having a casting direction (X) is defined between the plurality of plates (11), and at least one of the plates (11) has an inner surface (19) defining the casting channel (12) and an outer surface (20) opposite to the inner surface (19), and the outer surface (20) is provided with one or more functional grooves (21a) extending in the longitudinal direction and having a total length (LU) and width, wherein the width is not constant along the total length (LU), the mold (10).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a mold for continuously casting metal materials such as steel, and can be applied to the manufacturing fields of, for example, billets, blooms, slabs, or other types of metal products.

Background Art

[0002] In the field of continuous casting of metal materials, various types of devices are known, such as a mold equipped with a crystallization device. One of these molds is described in the Italian industrial invention patent IT201900001035 A1 granted to the applicant. In this mold, the crystallization device is composed of a plurality of plates 100 (FIG. 4), and a casting channel is defined between the plates 100. In the casting channel, the metal material is cast from top to bottom along a vertical casting axis, and then gradually solidifies to obtain a metal product.

[0003] Normally, the inner surface of the plate 100 of the crystallization device (that is, the surface defining the casting channel) is substantially smooth. Instead, on the outer surface 102 of each plate 100, a series of longitudinal grooves 101 having a certain width and cross-section and extending parallel to the casting axis are formed.

[0004] A corresponding counter plate is attached to each plate 100, and this counter plate is adhered to the outer surface 102 of the plate 100, and a series of cooling channels through which the coolant flows are defined by the grooves 101.

[0005] Further, the counter plate is provided with openings for supplying the coolant and openings for discharging the coolant, which are respectively arranged corresponding to the ends of the grooves 101 along the casting axis.

[0006] One of the drawbacks of the known mold is that the repeated periodic thermal stress caused by the temperature change in the casting channel between when casting is performed and when casting is interrupted causes a corresponding thermal expansion cycle and applies mechanical stress to the plates 100 of the crystallization device.

[0007] As a result, cracks form in plate 100, particularly in areas of plate 100 where the meniscus of the metallic casting is formed. The formation of cracks shortens the service life of the crystallization apparatus and necessitates frequent and costly maintenance.

[0008] U.S. Patent No. 4,640,337 describes a continuous casting apparatus having a casting channel defined circumferentially by a plate having a plurality of cooling grooves. The cooling groove has a central section of a certain width, and semicircular lateral cambers formed at regular intervals along the entire length of the groove are alternately arranged on one side and the other of the central section. A drawback of this groove shape is that it does not function in relation to the hottest region of the casting channel, such as the region where the meniscus of the casting metal material is formed.

[0009] International Publication No. 2011 / 076591 describes a plate suitable for continuous casting apparatus, with cooling grooves on its cooling surface. This plate has multiple rows of lateral holes spaced at regular intervals, and longitudinal grooves. These grooves are defined by a single central cavity, the width of which can be varied at multiple points along its entire length. However, this variation has the drawback of not functioning effectively, particularly in areas with high heat generation.

[0010] U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2022 / 105559 describes a crystallization apparatus equipped with a plate capable of defining internal casting channels. The plate has a fixed surface to which a back plate is externally attached by multiple rows of mounting screws. Multiple longitudinal reinforcing bars are attached between the fixed surface and the back plate by such screws, defining cooling channels between them, each having a substantially constant cross-section. The cooling channels are positioned with a central bypass baffle plate to divert the flow of coolant present in the upper region where the casting meniscus is formed. However, the structure of the plate is complex and difficult, and its manufacture is laborious.

[0011] Chinese Patent Application Publication No. 115007816 describes a plate for a continuous casting crystallization apparatus equipped with multiple longitudinal cooling ribs. The cooling ribs are of variable depth and width along their length. Specifically, the ribs are narrower in the high-temperature region and wider in the transitional and low-temperature regions. This is not very efficient, considering that the region where the casting meniscus is formed can be the hottest and may require greater cooling.

[0012] Japanese Patent Publication No. 5-154613 describes a mold for a continuous casting apparatus. This mold is provided with multiple cooling grooves that form a symmetrical branched structure. Specifically, multiple vertical grooves are connected by inclined grooves, and the vertical grooves may have widened sections corresponding to their angular and central regions. However, this branched structure is very complex, and the arrangement of the grooves itself has the disadvantage of providing uniform and nonspecific cooling to the high-temperature region.

[0013] Therefore, it is necessary to complete a mold for continuous casting of metal materials that can overcome at least one of the shortcomings of conventional technology.

[0014] To achieve this, it is necessary to solve the technical problem of improving the cooling of the crystallization apparatus plates in molds for continuous casting, especially when the casting speed (and therefore the heat flow to the meniscus) is relatively high (for example, higher than about 3.5 m / min).

[0015] In particular, one object of the present invention is to provide a mold for continuous casting that can more effectively cool the plate of a crystallization apparatus (especially the area of ​​the plate where the meniscus of a metal casting is formed during use).

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

[0017] The applicant invented, tested, and embodied the present invention to overcome the shortcomings of the prior art and to achieve these and other objectives and advantages. [Overview of the project]

[0018] The present invention is described and characterized by the independent claims. Dependent claims describe other features of the present invention or variations of the main invention concept.

[0019] In accordance with the above objectives and in order to solve the above technical problems in a novel and original way while achieving significant advantages over the prior art, a mold according to the present invention for continuous casting of a metal material comprises a crystallization apparatus composed of a plurality of plates, wherein a casting channel having a casting direction is defined between the plurality of plates, and the metal material can pass through the casting channel according to the casting direction. At least one of the plates has an inner surface that defines the casting channel and an outer surface opposite to the inner surface, and is provided with a plurality of grooves that extend longitudinally substantially parallel to the casting direction and have a total length. Furthermore, at least one counter plate is hermetically attached to the outer surface of each of the plurality of plates, and the one or more grooves define one or more cooling channels.

[0020] According to one aspect of the present invention, the plurality of grooves include functional grooves, the functional grooves are substantially parallel to the outer surface and have a width measured in a direction substantially perpendicular to the casting direction that is not constant along the entire length, and at least one functional groove comprises a first segment having a first length and a first width, and at least one second segment having a second length and a second width, which is in fluid communication with the first segment, the second width being smaller than the first width, and the sum of the first length and the second length defining the entire length.

[0021] According to another aspect of the present invention, the functional groove comprises at least two second segments that are fluidly connected to the first segment and correspond to the lower surface of the first segment.

[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 segment is arranged corresponding to the region of the plate where a meniscus of the metal material can be formed when casting the metal material into the casting channel.

[0024] According to another aspect of the present invention, corresponding to the first segment, one or more recesses are provided close to the bottom wall of the functional groove, and the recesses further widen the first segment in a direction substantially parallel to the inner surface. The recesses have a function of preventing hot spots from being formed at corresponding points on the inner surface, thereby improving heat exchange and obtaining a uniform temperature profile corresponding to the meniscus.

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

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

[0027] According to another aspect of the present invention, the ratio of the second length to the total length of the functional groove is in the range of about 0.08 to 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 of the plurality of grooves is a functional groove.

[0030] According to another aspect of the present invention, the reducing member can be at least partially inserted into the corresponding first segment, occupy at least a part of the volume of the first segment, reduce the cross-sectional area of the coolant flowing through the inside of the first segment, and is configured to increase and maintain the speed of the coolant.

[0031] According to another aspect of the present invention, the reducing member includes an insert, the insert has a width substantially corresponding to the width and a depth smaller than the depth of the first segment, and the insert has a size that can accommodate the thermal expansion caused by the casting.

[0032] According to another aspect of the present invention, the reducing member includes at least two inserts that cooperate with each other to be inserted into the corresponding first segment, each insert has a depth smaller than the depth of the first segment, is aligned in the length direction of the functional groove, and the insert has a size that can accommodate the thermal expansion caused by the casting.

[0033] According to another aspect of the present invention, the reducing member includes at least one insert formed to be inserted into at least two first segments of adjacent functional grooves, the insert has a depth smaller than the depth of the first segment, and has a size that can accommodate the thermal expansion caused by the casting.

[0034] According to another aspect of the present invention, each insert is provided with one or more positioning pins, the one or more positioning pins project laterally with respect to each insert, and are configured to be inserted into corresponding positioning seatings formed on the corresponding side surfaces of the first segment, and the pins have a size that can accommodate the thermal expansion caused by the casting.

[0035] According to some embodiments, each insert is made as an integral body.

[0036] According to another embodiment, each insert comprises at least two components which are connectable to each other and are formed to be inserted together into at least a first segment.

[0037] The present invention also relates to a plate configured to define a portion of the casting channel in a crystallization apparatus for a mold for continuous casting of a metallic material, having the above-described features.

[0038] These and other aspects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of some embodiments shown as non-limiting examples with reference to the accompanying drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0039] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a top view of one embodiment of a mold for continuous casting according to the present invention. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a top view of one embodiment of a mold for continuous casting according to the present invention. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a top view of one embodiment of a mold for continuous casting according to the present invention. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a rear view showing a portion of a mold made using conventional technology. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a rear view showing a part of an embodiment of the mold according to the present invention. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of Figure 5, along the VI-VI plane. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a rear view showing part of another embodiment of the mold according to the present invention. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a rear view showing part of another embodiment of the mold according to the present invention. [Figure 9] Figure 9 is an enlarged view of Figures 5, 7, or 8. [Figure 10] Figure 10 is an enlarged view of another embodiment of the mold according to the present invention. [Figure 11] Figure 11 is a cross-sectional view along the XI-XI plane in Figure 9. [Figure 12] Figure 12 is a cross-sectional view along the XI-XI plane in Figure 9. [Figure 13] Figure 13 is a cross-sectional view along the XIII-XIII plane of Figure 11. [Figure 14] Figure 14 is a cross-sectional view along the XIV-XIV plane of Figure 9. [Figure 15] Figure 15 is a cross-sectional view along the XIV-XIV plane of Figure 9. [Figure 16] Figure 16 is a cross-sectional view along the XVI-XVI plane in Figure 9. [Figure 17] Figure 17 is a cross-sectional view along the XVI-XVI plane in Figure 9. [Figure 18] Figure 18 is a three-dimensional exploded view showing a part of an embodiment of the mold according to the present invention. [Figure 19] Figure 19 is a rear view showing part of another embodiment of the mold according to the present invention. [Figure 20] Figure 20 is a cross-sectional view along the XX-XX and XXI-XXI planes of Figure 19. [Figure 21] Figure 21 is a cross-sectional view along the XX-XX and XXI-XXI planes of Figure 19. [Figure 22] Figure 22 is a rear view showing part of another embodiment of the mold according to the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0040] Since the scope of protection is defined by the claims, it is necessary to make it clear that the language and terminology used herein, as well as the figures in the accompanying drawings, have only the function of better illustrating and describing the invention and illustrating non-limiting examples of the invention itself, through the manner in which they are presented.

[0041] For ease of understanding, the drawings use the same reference numerals to indicate identical common elements whenever possible. It is understood that elements and features of one embodiment can be readily combined or incorporated into other embodiments without further explanation.

[0042] Referring to Figures 1, 2, and 3, the mold 10 according to the present invention comprises a crystallization apparatus 13 formed by a plurality of plates 11 arranged opposite to each other to define a casting channel 12 having a casting direction X, in which a liquid metallic material, such as steel, can be cast.

[0043] The number and size of the plates 11 are selected according to the prior art, depending on the shape and size that the cast metal product will have when it comes out of the mold 10.

[0044] For example, in one embodiment schematically shown in Figure 1, the crystallization apparatus 13 comprises four plates 11 of different or substantially identical dimensions, which are arranged in pairs facing each other, defining a casting channel 12 having a substantially rectangular or square cross-section.

[0045] On the other hand, in another embodiment schematically shown in Figure 2, the crystallization apparatus 13 comprises two plates 11 that are wider than the other two, defining a casting channel 12 having a substantially rectangular cross-section. This casting channel 12 is suitable, for example, for the manufacture of flat metal products. In the embodiment of Figure 2, the two widest plates 11 are not completely flat, but each has a concave central portion 14 called a "funnel," which forms a widened portion of the casting channel 12 and is useful for introducing a casting nozzle of enormous size.

[0046] Figure 3 shows another configuration of the mold 10, in which two plates 11 are wider than the other two, and these plates are straight along their entire length. This type of mold is particularly useful for casting thin plate slabs.

[0047] Each plate 11 has an upper edge 15 that serves as an inlet for the cast metal material and a lower edge 16 that serves as an outlet for the same cast material. The two edges 15 and 16 are substantially perpendicular to the casting direction X.

[0048] Each plate 11 has an inner surface 19 that defines the casting channel 12, and an outer surface 20 that is on the opposite side of the inner surface 19 and therefore faces the outside of the mold 10.

[0049] Multiple grooves 21 (Figure 5) are formed on the outer surface 20 of each plate 11, and the length of the multiple grooves 21 extends in a direction substantially parallel to the casting direction X.

[0050] A corresponding counter plate 40 (Figure 6) is attached to the outer surface 20 of each plate 11, and the inner surface 42 of the counter plate 40 fits with the outer surface 20 of the plate 11, forming multiple cooling channels 44 by grooves 21. The cooling liquid L (Figure 6) flows through the cooling channels 44 to cool the plate 11, particularly its inner surface 19, and promotes the solidification of the metal material flowing in contact with the plate 11, as is done in the prior art.

[0051] The total length LU (Figure 5) of each groove 21 is substantially equal to or slightly less than the height H of the corresponding plate 11, for example, approximately 650 mm to approximately 1250 mm.

[0052] In some embodiments of the present invention, each groove 21 develops deeply in the direction of the thickness S of the plate 11, and the depth PR (Figure 11) of each groove 21 is 20% to 80%, preferably 40% to 60%, and more preferably 50% of the thickness S of the corresponding plate 11.

[0053] Furthermore, preferably, the thickness S of the plate 11 and the depth PR of each groove 21 are constant over the entire length LU.

[0054] According to one aspect of the present invention, the plurality of grooves 21 include at least one functional groove 21a whose width, measured in a direction parallel to the outer surface 20 and perpendicular to the casting direction X, is not constant along the entire length LU.

[0055] According to some embodiments of the present invention, a portion of the groove 21 is a functional groove 21a (Figure 7 or Figure 8).

[0056] In this case, it is preferable that the number of functional grooves 21a is at least half the total number of grooves 21 formed on the outer surface 20 of each plate 11.

[0057] The functional grooves 21a can be grouped into specific portions of the plate 11. For example, Figure 7 shows an embodiment in which the functional grooves 21a are grouped into the central portion of the plate, and Figure 8 shows an embodiment in which the functional grooves 21a are grouped into two different groups (the first group is located on the first side of the plate 11, and the second group is located on the second side of the same plate 11).

[0058] According to another embodiment of the present invention, each of the multiple grooves 21 is a functional groove 21a (Figure 5).

[0059] Each functional groove 21a comprises a first segment 22 (upper segment) having a first length LU1 of, for example, about 100 mm to about 400 mm, and one or more second segments 23 and 24 (lower segments) that are in fluid communication with the first segment 22.

[0060] Each second segment 23 and 24 has a second length LU2 that is longer than the first length LU1, and the second length LU2 is, for example, about 550 mm to about 1000 mm.

[0061] Furthermore, the first segment 22 has a first width LA1 of, for example, about 15 mm to 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, and the second width LA2 is, for example, about 3 mm to about 15 mm, that is, substantially equal to the width of a known type of groove (which is constant along the entire length).

[0062] In other embodiments, a single second segment 23 or 24, or more than three second segments, may be fluidically connected to the first segment 22. For example, in the embodiment shown in Figure 10, two second segments 23, 24 and another second segment are fluidically connected to the first segment 22.

[0063] It is clear that the number of second segments 23 and 24 fluidically connected to the first segment 22 can vary depending on the selection made during construction and the size of the crystallization apparatus 13.

[0064] The first segment 22 is preferably positioned near the upper edge 15 of the plate 11, and in particular, it is preferably positioned in a region where the meniscus M of the metal casting is formed during use.

[0065] The width LA1 of the first segment 22 enables high cooling efficiency and prevents, or at least reduces, the formation of cracks and fractures due to thermal fatigue, which are typically present in the region where the meniscus M of the casting is formed.

[0066] In the embodiments shown in the attached drawings, each functional groove 21a is fluidly connected to a single first segment 22 and comprises two second segments 23, 24 (Figures 5 and 9) that are parallel to each other and each having a width corresponding to the second width LA2.

[0067] Furthermore, the two second segments 23 and 24 are joined together near the lower edge 16 of the corresponding plate 11.

[0068] Optionally, at least one second segment 23 or 24 is inclined with respect to the thickness S of the plate 11.

[0069] The ratio of the second width LA2 to the first width LA1 is preferably in the 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 in the range of about 0.1 to about 0.4. Furthermore, the ratio of the second length LU2 to the total length LU of the functional groove 21a is in the range of about 0.08 to about 0.35.

[0070] The first segment 22 is defined by a substantially rectangular cavity 25 (Figure 11) having one bottom surface 26, two sides 27, one top surface 29, and one bottom surface 30 parallel to the inner surface 19 of the plate 11.

[0071] The upper surface 29 is formed in a concave shape to connect with the bottom surface 26, and the lower surface 30 is adapted to connect the first segment 22 with the two second segments 23 and 24. In other words, the two second segments 23 and 24 are connected to the first segment 22 corresponding to the lower surface 30 of the first segment 22.

[0072] In each functional groove 21a, by combining the first segment 22 having the above-described characteristics with at least one second segment 23 or 24, the cooling function of the coolant L for the metal material can be improved and optimized.

[0073] According to one embodiment of the present invention, one or more recesses 31 are provided corresponding to the first segment 22, and in the illustrated example, two recesses are provided (Figures 11 and 13). These recesses 31 are provided corresponding to or adjacent to the bottom wall 26 of the functional groove 21a, thereby further widening the width of the first segment 22 in a direction parallel to the inner surface 19 of the plate 11. Each recess 31 has the advantageous function of preventing the formation of hot spots at corresponding locations on the inner surface 19, thereby improving heat exchange and obtaining a uniform temperature profile corresponding to the meniscus M.

[0074] The reducing members 32 (Figures 11, 12, 18) are positioned corresponding to the first segment 22 of each functional groove 21a and are inserted into the cavity 25, occupying a portion of the cavity's volume, in order to reduce the cross-sectional area through which the coolant L passes.

[0075] As a result, even though the first segment 22 is wider than the two second segments 23 and 24, the velocity of the coolant L can be maintained at a high level in relation to the first segment 22.

[0076] The cross-sectional reduction member 32 has an insert 33, the insert 33 having a width LA3 (Figures 15 and 17) substantially corresponding to the width LA1 of the first segment 22, and a depth PR1 smaller than the depth PR of the functional groove 21a into which the insert 33 is inserted.

[0077] Clearly, the insert 33 has dimensions suitable for accommodating thermal expansion that may occur during casting. For example, some mechanical clearance can be provided between the insert 33 and the edge of the functional groove 21a so that the insert 33 can be withdrawn from the cavity 25 if necessary.

[0078] Furthermore, the insert 33 can be made from a material selected from the group including stainless steel, copper-aluminum bronze, PTFE (e.g., Teflon®), aluminum-copper alloy, or other materials that are transparent to the electromagnetic field acting in accordance with the meniscus region of the electromagnetic stirrer.

[0079] Furthermore, the outer surface 34 of the insert 33 (Figure 17) is preferably coplanar with the outer surface 20 of the plate 11, which includes the functional groove 21a into which the insert is inserted.

[0080] The insert 33 can be implemented as a single unit, or as two or more joined parts, for example, that are inserted into the cavity 25 and secured to each other by mechanical means such as screws.

[0081] In the first example, the insert 33 is manufactured as a single piece (Figure 18).

[0082] Alternatively, Figures 19-21 show another example in which the insert 33 comprises a first part 38 and a second part 39, the first part 38 and the second part 39 being arranged side by side along the width of the functional groove 21a and fitting together. For example, the first part 38 can be positioned so as to partially overlap the second part 39, or vice versa. Two fixing screws 41 (Figure 20) then join the two parts 38 and 39 together in the overlapping area.

[0083] Furthermore, in the latter example, the insert 33 can be inserted into the two first segments 22 of two adjacent functional grooves 21a.

[0084] Alternatively or additionally, as shown in Figure 22, two inserts 33 can be inserted into at least partially identical functional grooves 21a and aligned in the direction of the length L of the functional grooves 21a. The two inserts 33 cooperate with each other and are inserted into corresponding first segments 22, with each insert having a depth PR1 less than the depth PR of the cavity 25 of the first segment 22.

[0085] The insert 33 is held in place by one or more (e.g., four) positioning pins 35 (Figure 18), the positioning pins 35 protruding laterally from the insert 33 and configured to be inserted into corresponding positioning seating 36 made on the side surface 27 of the cavity 25 into which the positioning pins 35 are inserted.

[0086] Furthermore, each pin 35 has dimensions suitable for accommodating thermal expansion that may occur during the casting process within the corresponding seating 36.

[0087] Each counter plate 40 is provided with an inlet opening 43 that communicates with a distribution manifold 45, and the distribution manifold 45 is in fluid communication with each groove 21 of the plate 11. Preferably, the distribution manifold 45 is in fluid communication with the upper part of each groove 21 of the plate 11.

[0088] Furthermore, the counter plate 40 also includes a collection manifold 46, which is in fluid communication with both the ends of each groove 21 and a discharge opening 47 formed on the counter plate 40, allowing the coolant L to be discharged and recovered. Preferably, the collection manifold 46 is in fluid communication with the lower part of each groove 21 of the plate 11.

[0089] To securely and airtightly attach the counter plate 40 to the plate 11, a series of blind mounting holes 49 are made in the plate 11 (Figure 9), and a series of through holes 50 are made in the counter plate 40 (Figure 17), with the through holes 50 positioned to align with the corresponding blind mounting holes 49.

[0090] The screws 51 pass through each through hole 50 and are attached to the blind mounting holes 49 of the plate 11, stably joining the counter plate 40 to the plate 11. It is clear that the screws 51 can be replaced with other suitable mounting members, such as studs or threaded rods.

[0091] Furthermore, each recess 31 is shaped so as not to interfere with the blind mounting holes 49, while also being formed to better cool the plate 11 in the vicinity of the blind mounting holes 49. For example, the recess 31 can be formed to avoid the blind mounting holes 49 located near the recess 31 (Figures 11, 14, and 16).

[0092] The above-described mold 10 can achieve a relatively high casting speed thanks to a new and unique technical solution introduced to the cooling means, namely, a functional groove 21a that can be integrated with the corresponding recess 31. This allows for a heat flow to the meniscus M that is, for example, higher than about 3.5 m / min, while simultaneously ensuring excellent cooling of the plate 11, especially in the area of ​​the meniscus M.

[0093] It is clear that without departing from the scope of the present invention as defined in the claims, modifications and / or additions of parts can be made to the mold 10 for continuous casting of the metal material described herein.

[0094] Although the present invention has been described with reference to several specific examples, it will also be apparent to those skilled in the art that other equivalent shapes of molds for continuous casting of metallic materials can be realized, having the features described in the claims and thus being entirely contained within the protected field defined by the claims.

[0095] In the following claims, references in parentheses are for readability purposes only and should not be considered as limiting factors to the field of protection as defined by the claims.

Claims

1. A mold (10) for continuous casting of a metal material, comprising a crystallization apparatus (13) composed of a plurality of plates (11), wherein the plurality of plates (11) define a casting channel (12) having a casting direction (X) between the plurality of plates (11), and the metal material can pass through the casting channel (12) according to the casting direction (X). At least one of the plates (11) has an inner surface (19) defining the casting channel (12) and an outer surface (20) opposite to the inner surface (19), and is provided with a plurality of grooves (21) that extend longitudinally substantially parallel to the casting direction (X) and have a total length (LU), At least one counter plate (40) is airtightly attached to the outer surface (20) of each of the plurality of plates (11), and one or more cooling channels (44) are defined by the one or more grooves (21), The plurality of grooves (21) include at least one functional groove (21a), the at least one functional groove (21a) is substantially parallel to the outer surface (20), and its width, measured in a direction substantially perpendicular to the casting direction (X), is not constant along the entire length (LU). The at least one functional groove (21a) comprises a first segment (22) having a first length (LU1) and a first width (LA1), and at least one second segment (23, 24) that is in fluid communication with the first segment (22) and has a second length (LU2) and a second width (LA2), wherein the second width (LA2) is smaller than the first width (LA1), and the sum of the first length (LU1) and the second length (LU2) defines the total length (LU). A mold (10) characterized by the following features.

2. The functional groove (21a) comprises at least two second segments (23, 24) that are fluidly connected to the first segment (22) corresponding to the lower surface (30) of the first segment (22). The mold (10) according to feature 1.

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

4. The first segment (22) is positioned in a region of the plate (11) where a meniscus (M) of the metal material can be formed when the metal material is cast into the casting channel (12). The mold (10) according to claim 1, 2, or 3.

5. Corresponding to the first segment (22), one or more recesses (31) are provided, formed in close proximity to the bottom wall (26) of the functional groove (21a), and the recesses (31) further extend the first segment (22) in a direction substantially parallel to the inner surface (19). The recess (31) has the function of preventing the formation of hot spots at corresponding points on the inner surface (19), thereby improving heat exchange and enabling a uniform temperature profile corresponding to the meniscus (M). The mold (10) according to feature 4.

6. The ratio of the second width (LA2) to the first width (LA1) is in the range of approximately 0.1 to approximately 0.

3. A mold (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. The ratio of the first length (LU1) to the total length (LU) of the functional groove (21a) is in the range of approximately 0.1 to approximately 0.

4. A mold (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. The ratio of the second length (LU2) to the total length (LU) of the functional groove (21a) is in the range of approximately 0.08 to approximately 0.

35. A mold (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. The number of functional grooves (21a) is at least half the total number of grooves (21) formed on the outer surface (20) of the plate (11). A mold (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. Each of the plurality of grooves (21) is a functional groove (21a). A mold (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

11. The reducing member (32) is at least partially inserted into the corresponding first segment (22), occupying at least a portion of the volume of the first segment (22), and is configured to reduce the cross-sectional area through which the coolant (L) can flow inside the first segment (22), thereby increasing and maintaining the velocity of the coolant (L). A mold (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

12. The reducing member (32) includes an insert (33), The insert (33) has a width (LA3) substantially corresponding to the width (LA1) and a depth (PR1) smaller than the depth (PR) of the first segment (22), The insert (33) has a size that can accommodate the thermal expansion caused by the casting. The mold (10) according to feature 11.

13. The reducing member (32) comprises at least two inserts (33) that cooperate with each other to be inserted into the corresponding first segment (22), Each insert (33) has a depth (PR1) smaller than the depth (PR) of the first segment (22), is aligned in the direction of the length (L) of the functional groove (21a), and the insert (33) is sized to accommodate the thermal expansion caused by the casting. The mold (10) according to feature 11.

14. The reducing member (32) comprises at least one insert (33) formed to be inserted into at least two first segments (22) of adjacent functional grooves (21a), The insert (33) has a depth (PR1) smaller than the depth (PR) of the first segment (22) and is sized to accommodate the thermal expansion caused by the casting. The mold (10) according to feature 11.

15. Each insert (33) is provided with one or more positioning pins (35), the one or more positioning pins (35) protruding laterally from each insert (33) and configured to be inserted into corresponding positioning seating (36) formed on the corresponding side surface (27) of the first segment (22). The pin (35) has a size that can accommodate the thermal expansion caused by the casting. A mold (10) according to any one of claims 12 to 14.

16. Each insert (33) is created as a single unit. A mold (10) according to any one of claims 12 to 15.

17. Each insert (33) comprises at least two parts (38, 39), The at least two components (38, 39) are connectable to each other and are formed to be inserted together into at least the first segment (22). A mold (10) according to any one of claims 12 to 15.

18. A plate (11) configured to define a portion of the casting channel (12) of a crystallization apparatus (13) for a mold (10) for continuous casting of a metal material, The plate (11) has an inner surface (19) configured to define the casting channel (12) and an outer surface (20) opposite to the inner surface (19), and the outer surface (20) is provided with a plurality of grooves (21) that extend in the longitudinal direction and have a total length (LU). The outer surface (20) is configured to be coupled to at least one counter plate (40), and the plate (11) defines one or more cooling channels (44) by the one or more grooves (21), The plurality of grooves (21) include at least one functional groove (21a), the width of the at least one functional groove (21a) measured in a direction substantially parallel to the outer surface (20) is not constant along the entire length (LU), The at least one functional groove (21a) comprises a first segment (22) having a first length (LU1) and a first width (LA1), and at least one second segment (23, 24) that is in fluid communication with the first segment (22) and has a second length (LU2) and a second width (LA2), wherein the second width (LA2) is smaller than the first width (LA1), and the sum of the first length (LU1) and the second length (LU2) defines the total length (LU). A plate (11) characterized by the following features.

19. The functional groove (21a) comprises at least two second segments (23, 24) that are fluidly connected to the first segment (22) corresponding to the lower surface (30) of the first segment (22). The plate (11) according to feature 18.

20. The at least two second segments (23, 24) are parallel to each other and each has the second length (LU2) and the second width (LA2). The plate (11) according to feature 19.

21. The first segment (22) is manufactured to be positioned during use in a region where a meniscus (M) of the metal material can be formed when the metal material is cast. The plate (11) according to claim 18, 19, or 20, characterized in that it is the plate (11) described above.

22. Corresponding to the first segment (22), one or more recesses (31) are provided, formed in close proximity to the bottom wall (26) of the functional groove (21a), and the recesses (31) further extend the first segment (22) in a direction substantially parallel to the inner surface (19). The recess (31) has the function of preventing the formation of hot spots at corresponding points on the inner surface (19), thereby improving heat exchange and enabling a uniform temperature profile corresponding to the meniscus (M). The plate (11) according to feature 21.

23. The ratio of the second width (LA2) to the first width (LA1) is in the range of approximately 0.1 to approximately 0.

3. The plate (11) according to any one of claims 18 to 22.

24. The ratio of the first length (LU1) to the total length (LU) of the functional groove (21a) is in the range of approximately 0.1 to approximately 0.

4. The plate (11) according to any one of claims 18 to 23.

25. The ratio of the second length (LU2) to the total length (LU) of the functional groove (21a) is in the range of approximately 0.08 to approximately 0.

35. A plate (11) according to any one of claims 18 to 24.

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

27. Each of the plurality of grooves (21) is a functional groove (21a). The plate (11) according to any one of claims 18 to 26.

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