The feedstock: copper and copper alloys

Abstract

The production of feedstock in the copper and copper alloy rolled-metals industry covers a very wide range of activities and no attempt is made to examine these in depth. A general review is given on the two principal methods used for producing slabs or cake for hot rolling, and of the four principal methods for producing generally smaller cross-section slabs or section for cold rolling. These include static casting into copper-faced, water-cooled moulds and cast iron moulds; vertical semi-continuous casting into direct chill moulds; and horizontal submerged die casting using graphite moulds. Some of the recurring problems associated with each method are discussed and typical yield figures quoted. The main objective is to review the developments and changes in practice that have taken place over the past 10 years, to comment on the reasons for these changes, and, finally, to examine the likely trends of the industry in the next 10 years