Method and apparatus for the localization of element concentrations in a continuous casting

The invention relates to a method and apparatus regarding the localization of element concentrations in the edge areas of a horizontally manufactured continuous casting made of alloyed non-ferrous metals. In order to localize element concentrations in the edge areas of a horizontally manufactured continuous casting of alloyed non-ferrous metals, a longitudinal section is removed from the continuous casting. At least one strip of surface layer is then removed transversely by a metal removal unit from the longitudinal section forming a test specimen having a defined thickness. A point-by-point spectroanalysis of the metal composition is then carried out in linear sequence with the aid of a spectral-analysis head in the longitudinal direction of the strip. The element concentration determined in this manner is displayed numerically and/or graphically with the aid of a computer. The metal-removal unit and the spectral-analysis head are placed under the influence of a metal-removal and analysis control unit which is coupled to the computer via a programmable controller and via a spectrometer, respectively.