VERFAHREN UND VORRICHTUNG ZUM ÄNDERN DER DICKE EINES STRANGES

The invention relates to a method for changing the thickness (D1) of a strand (1) from a first thickness (D1) to a second thickness (D2) during continuous casting using a continuous casting mould (6) comprising at least two first lateral walls (8, 8') which define the hollow space (5) on opposite sides and determine the width of the strand (1), at least two other lateral walls (10, 10') which adjoin the first lateral walls (8, 8') and determine the thickness (D1, D2) of said strand (1), and a strand guide (13) which supports the cast strand (1) in an extension of the second lateral walls (10, 10') and can be adjusted to different thicknesses (D1, D2) of the strand (1). According to said method the pouring of melt (2) into the continuous casting mould (6) is briefly interrupted such that an intermediate end (20) is formed, a sleeve (21) is placed against said intermediate end (20) of the strand (1), whereby the end (24) of the sleeve (21) facing away from the strand (1) corresponds to the second thickness (D2) of the strand (1). At least one of the second lateral walls (10, 10') is adjusted to the second thickness (D2). Drawing of the strand (1) adjusts the end (24) of the sleeve (21) facing away from the strand (1) to a certain height inside the continuous casting mould (6). Pouring of the melt (2) is then resumed and the strand guide (13) adjusted to the second thickness (D2).