Effect of layer-by-layer formation of ingot during electroslag remelting on the quality of its surface and solidification structure

Abstract

The article presents the results of experimental studies of the features of forming the side surface and the crystallization structure of steel ingots, produced by the method of electroslag remelting with a layer-by-layer formation. The ingots with diameters of 160 and 220 mm were produced by remelting consumable electrodes in a pulsed mode, providing the periodicity of the processes of electrode melting and metal solidification. This was achieved due to a cyclic change of the slag pool voltage from operating values to the values, at which the electrode melting ceased, as well as due to a corresponding change in the electrode feed rate. It was shown that layer-by-layer formation of the ingot allows reducing the volume of the liquid metal pool, equalizing the crystallization front and controlling the metal structure formation while maintaining a good quality of the side surface.