Continuous casting mould - shaped to prolong contact between steel strand and mould walls and increase heat transfer

Continuous casting mould has a substantially rectangular mould passage with the major portion of the surface of two opposed walls (3,4) being convex in transverse cross section. The radius of curvature of the convex surfaces is progressively great at successively lower cross sections through the mould wall. The mould is used for the continuous casting of steel strands. The radii of curvature of the convex surface at successively lower cross sections conforms to the known or estimated shrinkage thus reducing air gaps and increasing the heat transfer from the strand through the mold. As contact between the casting surfaces and mould surfaces is contained, thus eliminating air gaps, longer mould can be used thus producing a thicker and stronger shell within the mould.