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Mold Powder
Mold Powder
Mold Powder
Mold Powder
Mold Powder
Mold Powder
Mold Powder
Mold Powder

Mold Powder

Mold powder is a synthetic slag that covers the molten steel surface in the mould during the casting process, stabilizes the casting operation and improves the surface quality of the slab.

Different mold powder grades are available for ultra-low carbon steel, carbon steel, low-alloy steel and high-carbon steel. Selection should be based on steel grade, casting section, casting speed, operating temperature and required heat-transfer and lubrication characteristics.

Mold Powder

PRODUCT FUNCTION

Insulating the molten steel surface of the mould to avoid solidification of molten steel

Insulating air to prevent secondary oxidation of molten steel

Absorbing the inclusions floating in the molten steel, purifying the molten steel

Forming a slag film between the solidified shell and the inner wall of the mould to achieve good lubrication

Improving heat transfer between the mould and the shell to prevent surface cracks

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

Type

BST-DB

BST-PB

BST-ZB

BST-GB

Moisture %

<0.5

<0.5

<0.5

<0.5

Particle size %

0.15~1mm>90

0.15~1mm>90

0.15~1mm>90

0.15~1mm>90

CaO/SiO2

0.8~1.1

1.1~1.45

1.0~1.3

0.7~1.0

Hemisphere point

1050~1150℃

1050~1200℃

1050~1180℃

950~1100℃

1300℃melting speed

25~50 S

25~50 S

25~50 S

25~50 S

1300℃viscosity

0.15~0.55Pa.s

0.08~0.25Pa.s

0.1~0.3Pa.s

0.08~0.20Pa.s

Volume weight

0.60~0.85g/cm³

0.50~0.90g/cm³

0.50~0.90g/cm³

0.50~0.80g/cm³

Applicable section

(150~250) mm X (800~1600) mm

Applicable casting speed

0.7~2.2m/min

 

Note: BST-CDB is applied to ultra low carbon steel series C ≤0.05%, BST-DB is applied to ultra low carbon steel series C<0.08%, BST-ZB is applied to carbon steel, low alloy and other steel grades with a carbon content of 0.08~0.35%, BST-GB is applied to High carbon steel series C ≥0.35%

 

How Does Mold Powder Work?

 

During continuous casting, mold powder is continuously added to the top surface of molten steel in the mold. As it is heated, different functional layers develop between the powder bed, liquid slag and molten steel.

The resulting mold flux system performs several important functions:

  • Thermally insulates the molten steel meniscus
  • Reduces direct contact between molten steel and air
  • Helps absorb floating non-metallic inclusions
  • Forms a lubricating slag film between the strand shell and copper mold
  • Controls heat transfer during solidification
  • Supports stable shell formation
  • Helps reduce casting-related surface defects

Proper melting and infiltration are particularly important because the liquid mold flux must enter the gap between the solidifying shell and the mold wall to provide effective lubrication.

 

Why Mold Powder Viscosity Matters

 

Viscosity is one of the most important parameters when selecting mold flux powder for continuous casting.

If viscosity is too high, liquid slag may not infiltrate the mold gap easily enough, potentially reducing lubrication.

If viscosity is too low for the specific casting conditions, slag behavior and heat-transfer characteristics may not match the required process.

GUOLIANG's current mold powder grades provide different 1300°C viscosity ranges to support different steel grades and casting conditions.

When comparing mold powder products, viscosity should therefore be evaluated together with:

  • Casting speed
  • Steel grade
  • Mold section
  • Melting speed
  • Basicity
  • Operating temperature
  • Powder consumption

 

Melting Speed and Stable Slag Formation

 

The mold powder must melt at a suitable rate to maintain an adequate liquid slag pool during continuous casting.

If the powder melts too slowly, insufficient liquid slag may be available for infiltration and lubrication. If its melting behavior is unsuitable for the casting conditions, slag-layer stability may also be affected.

GUOLIANG BST series mold powders are designed with controlled melting characteristics for different continuous casting requirements.

The correct melting behavior should maintain a balance between:

Powder Supply → Melting → Liquid Slag Formation → Mold Gap Infiltration → Lubrication & Heat Transfer

Mold Powder for Different Steel Grades

Different steel grades have different solidification characteristics and therefore require different mold flux properties.

Ultra-Low Carbon Steel Mold Powder

Mold powder for ultra-low carbon steel should be selected according to the specific carbon content, casting speed and slab requirements. Stable lubrication and appropriate heat-transfer characteristics are important for consistent casting.

Carbon Steel Mold Powder

For conventional carbon steel continuous casting, mold powder composition and viscosity should be matched to the steel carbon range, strand section and casting conditions.

Low-Alloy Steel Mold Powder

Low-alloy steel mold flux should provide stable melting, lubrication and heat transfer while remaining compatible with the specific steel chemistry and casting process.

High-Carbon Steel Mold Powder

High-carbon steel has different solidification behavior from low-carbon grades. A suitable high-carbon steel mold powder should therefore be selected according to carbon content, casting speed and required shell formation characteristics.

GUOLIANG currently offers different BST series grades for these steel categories.

 

Mold Powder for Slab, Billet and Bloom Casting

 

Mold powder selection should also consider the shape and dimensions of the continuous casting section.

Typical applications can include:

  • Slab continuous casting
  • Billet continuous casting
  • Bloom continuous casting
  • Carbon steel continuous casting
  • Low-alloy steel casting
  • Ultra-low carbon steel casting
  • High-carbon steel casting

GUOLIANG's current BST series is specified for casting sections of approximately 150–250 mm × 800–1600 mm and casting speeds of 0.7–2.2 m/min.

For casting machines outside these ranges, actual operating data should be provided for product evaluation.

 

How to Select Continuous Casting Mold Powder

 

Choosing mold powder only according to steel grade is usually not sufficient. Buyers should consider the complete casting process.

Steel Grade and Carbon Content

Carbon content and alloy composition affect solidification behavior and therefore influence the required mold flux properties.

Casting Speed

Higher or lower casting speeds change the required rate of slag consumption and infiltration between the strand and mold.

Casting Section

Slab thickness, width and strand geometry influence heat-transfer requirements and mold powder consumption.

Mold Operating Conditions

Mold design, oscillation conditions and cooling intensity should be considered when evaluating lubrication and heat transfer.

Existing Casting Problems

If replacing an existing mold powder, it is useful to identify the current problem, such as:

  • Poor lubrication
  • Unstable slag consumption
  • Excessive slag rim formation
  • Uneven melting
  • Surface cracking
  • Slag entrapment
  • Inconsistent strand surface quality

This information allows the mold powder formulation to be evaluated against actual operating conditions.

 

Continuous Casting Mold Powder Manufacturer

GUOLIANG supplies mold powder and metallurgical auxiliary materials for continuous casting steel plants. Different mold flux grades can be selected according to steel carbon content, casting section, casting speed and required operating characteristics.

For steel plants seeking to replace an existing mold powder or improve casting stability, GUOLIANG can evaluate the current powder specification together with actual casting conditions to recommend a suitable product.

 

FAQ-Mold Powder

 

What is mold powder in continuous casting?

Mold powder is a synthetic metallurgical flux added to the molten steel surface inside a continuous casting mold. It melts during casting and helps provide thermal insulation, protection against reoxidation, inclusion absorption, lubrication and controlled heat transfer.

Is mold powder the same as mold flux?

In continuous casting applications, mold powder, mould powder, mold flux, mould flux and casting powder are commonly used to describe this type of metallurgical auxiliary material.

Why is mold powder used in continuous casting?

Its main purposes are to protect and insulate the molten steel surface, absorb inclusions, lubricate the strand shell and control heat transfer between the solidifying steel and copper mold.

How do I choose mold powder?

Selection should consider steel grade, carbon content, casting section, casting speed, mold conditions, required viscosity, melting behavior and current casting performance.

Does mold powder affect slab surface quality?

Mold powder influences lubrication and mold heat transfer, both of which are closely related to stable shell formation. However, strand surface quality also depends on casting speed, mold oscillation, steel chemistry, cooling and other operating factors.

Can you supply mold powder for different steel grades?

Yes. GUOLIANG currently offers different BST series grades covering ultra-low carbon steel, carbon and low-alloy steel, and high-carbon steel applications.

 

Need Mold Powder for Your Continuous Casting Line?

 

Send us your steel grade, carbon content, casting section, casting speed and current mold powder specification. GUOLIANG can evaluate your continuous casting conditions and recommend a suitable mold powder grade for quotation and trial.Inquire Mold Powder now

Type

BST-FJ-1

BST-FJ-2

BST-FJ-3

BST-FJ-4

Moisture %

<0.5

<0.5

<0.5

<0.5

Particle size %

0.15~1mm>90

0.15~1mm>90

0.15~1mm>90

0.15~1mm>90

CaO/SiO2

0.85~1.05

0.85~1.00

0.75~0.95

0.50~0.80

Hemisphere point

1070~1130℃

1100~1150℃

1030~1080℃

1000~1120℃

1300℃melting speed

30~40 S

35~45 S

40~50 S

40~50 S

Carbon content

8~12

10~14

12~17

13~18

Applicable section

120mm×120mm, 150mm×150mm, 175mm×175mm, 180mm×180mm, 200mm×200mm, 240mm×240mm, 300mm×300mm, 280mm×320mm ,320mm×410mm

Applicable casting speed

0.6~4.0m/min

 

Note: Applicable steel grade: Carbon, excellent carbon and low alloy steel with a carbon content of 0.08~0.35%

APPLICATIONS

It mainly applied to Continuous casting mould

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