FC Mold: Advanced flow control for thick slab casting
Boost slab quality and casting speed with ABB electromagnetic stirring and braking
Overview
ABB's FC Mold provides unmatched flow control for thick slab casting. Developed in close collaboration with leading steelmakers including JFE Japan, it delivers electromagnetic stirring and braking from one fixed position to stabilize flow, reduce defects, and enable higher speeds. Backed by 40+ years of innovation and experience from 140+ slab mold installations, this technology supports both quality and productivity goals in continuous casting.
Key benefits
Up to 50% higher slab quality
Reduce surface defects like slivers and cracks for cleaner steel and fewer rejects.Better internal quality and fewer cracks
Achieve deep drawing quality and minimize longitudinal cracks in sensitive grades.Up to 80% lower reject rates
Cut reject and downgrade ratios significantly, improving yield and reducing costly rework.Unlocks higher speed and productivity
Increase casting speed and throughput when limited by flow or quality constraints, without compromising slab quality.Rapid ROI and lower operating costs
Payback is typically achieved in less than one year.Supports sustainability goals
Improved yield and fewer rejects reduce energy use and emissions, helping meet decarbonization targets.Features
FC Mold always operates from the ideal position to control flow from one fixed point - delivering stirring and braking without hydraulic adjustments.
FC Mold combines a lower DC magnetic field and an upper AC/DC field to deliver braking and rotative stirring near the meniscus for superior stability.
Designed for thick slab casters at low, medium, and high speeds, FC Mold ensures consistent quality and productivity across all conditions.
FC Mold tackles shell washing, flow braking, and stabilization simultaneously for consistent casting conditions.
FC Mold Control enables smooth switching between braking, stirring, and combined modes without disturbing flow - to deliver consistently stable casting conditions and optimized performance.
The FC Mold integrates with ABB Ability™ Optimold Control for real-time, automatic flow adjustments based on mold data.
All major OEMs are experienced in integrating FC Mold into their casters, ensuring smooth implementation.
Start with FC MEMS and upgrade to full FC Mold later, adapting to changing production needs.
ABB has delivered 140+ electromagnetic stirring and braking devices for slab mold, backed by 40+ years of innovation in slab casting and 80+ years in electromagnetic stirring.
Unlike competing technologies, FC Mold has no moving parts. Built with high-quality components to withstand tough conditions, it ensures minimal maintenance and delivers a long-term return on investment.
ABB's Metallurgy team includes in-house metallurgical expertise and a dedicated aftersales team offering lifecycle services and support worldwide. From commissioning to optimization, you can benefit from tailored support that maximizes performance and ROI.