Semicontinuous casting process

The process comprises stepwise uphill feeding of a molten metal 4 into a mould 1 up to a dummy bar 2, holding the metal 4 in the mould until a skin 6 of casting is formed to a preset thickness, withdrawing the casting from the mould 1 for a given length and concurrently feeding molten metal into the mould 1 in an amount equivalent in volume to a given length of withdrawal. After initial feeding of the molten metal 4 to the mould 1 and after that following each successive step of the casting withdrawal from the mould 1, the feeding of the molten metal 4 is continued and the latter is expelled beyond the boundary of the dummy bar 2 in volume equalling 0.1 to 0.9 times the volumetric capacity of the mould 1. During the holding period, a part of the molten metal 4 is returned, at least once, into the casting being formed and then is again removed beyond the boundary of the dummy bar 2. Before the casting formation process has been completed, a major part of the metal volume is introduced into the casting being formed, whereupon the feeding of molten metal is discontinued until complete solidification of the casting.