Continuous casting
Continuous casting is a process in which molten metal is drawn continuously through a cooled graphite die, producing solid bars, hollow bars and profiles of constant cross-section. Continuous cast bronze and cast iron bars are the usual starting material for machined bushings, sleeves, gears and hydraulic parts.
Request a quoteAt a glance
Typical parts
- Solid and hollow bars in bronze and gunmetal
- Grey and ductile iron bars and profiles
- Plain bearing bushings and sleeves machined from bar
- Worm wheels, nuts and thrust washers
- Hydraulic cylinder parts, valve spools and pistons
Quantities
- Quantities too small for a casting pattern
Inspection
- Chemical analysis of each heat by spectrometer
- Hardness and tensile tests on bar samples
- Visual and dimensional check of bars
- Machined parts inspected to drawing
Documents
- EN 10204 3.1 certificate
- Dimensional report for machined parts
How continuous casting works
Molten metal flows from a holding furnace into a water-cooled graphite die. The metal solidifies in the die and is drawn out in short, regular strokes. The strand is cut to length at the end of the line. Solid bars, hollow bars and simple profiles can be produced; the cross-section is set by the die.
Continuous casting here means the casting of semi-finished bars and tubes in copper alloys and cast iron. It is not the same as the continuous casting of steel slabs in steelworks.
Quality checks and documents for continuous cast material
Chemical composition is checked by spectrometer for each melt. Hardness and tensile properties are tested on samples from the bar. Bars are checked visually and for dimensions; machined parts are inspected to drawing.
Standard documents are a material certificate to EN 10204 3.1 and, for machined parts, a dimensional report. More on the quality page.
Materials for continuous casting
Tin bronze
EN 1982
- CuSn12-C-GC
- CuSn10-C-GC
- CuSn7Zn4Pb7-C-GC (gunmetal)
Aluminium bronze
EN 1982
- CuAl10Fe5Ni5-C-GC
Lead bronze
EN 1982
- CuSn10Pb10-C-GC
Grey iron
EN 1561
- EN-GJL-250
Ductile iron
EN 1563
- EN-GJS-400-15
- EN-GJS-600-3
There is no fixed diameter or length limit. Send us your drawing and we will define the right production route for the part and confirm feasibility.
Is this the right process?
When continuous casting is the right choice
- You need bushings, sleeves or turned parts in bronze or cast iron
- The quantity is too small for a dedicated casting pattern, or the cross-section is simple and constant
- A dense structure without casting defects is required along the whole length
When another process is better
- Large-diameter rings and worm wheel rims: centrifugal casting is better suited
- Parts with complex shapes: sand casting or investment casting cast closer to the final shape
- Steel parts: steel bar stock and CNC machining, or forging
Related pages
- CNC turningCNC turned parts in steel, stainless steel, aluminium and brass from machine shops in Türkiye: shafts, pins, bushings and flanges, with dimensional reports.
- CNC millingCNC milled parts in steel, stainless steel and aluminium from machine shops in Türkiye: housings, plates, brackets and machined castings, with CMM reports.
- Machinery and equipmentMachine bases, housings, shafts, gear blanks, guides and plastic wear parts for machinery and equipment manufacturers, produced by manufacturers in Türkiye.
- Construction and mining equipmentPins, bushings, hubs, housings, counterweights and wear parts for construction and mining equipment manufacturers, produced by manufacturers in Türkiye.
- Other industriesCast, forged, machined and plastic parts for pumps and valves, hydraulics, rail, material handling, industrial automation, robotics and marine equipment.
Frequently asked questions
What is continuous cast bronze used for?
Continuous cast bronze bars and tubes are machined into plain bearing bushings, sleeves, thrust washers, worm wheels and wear plates. The structure is dense and uniform along the length, which suits sliding applications.
Why use continuous cast iron instead of sand cast iron?
Continuous cast grey and ductile iron bars have a fine, dense structure without sand inclusions and with little porosity. They machine well and suit hydraulic components, gears and machine parts. They replace steel in some applications because of their damping and sliding properties.
What is the EN designation for continuous cast bronze?
EN 1982 adds the suffix GC to the alloy name, for example CuSn12-C-GC or CuSn7Zn4Pb7-C-GC. The suffix shows the casting process and is followed by the mechanical property requirements for that process.
Send your drawing. You get a quotation in 3 to 5 working days.
Your drawings are handled confidentially; NDA on request.