What Are Caster Cracks?

Caster Cracks

Caster cracks, also known as longitudinal cracks, are imperfections that occur during the continuous casting process when steelmaking. These cracks appear as thin, jagged lines running parallel to the rolling direction of the steel and are often only visible after processes like pickling. They are primarily caused by uneven cooling of the steel shell as it solidifies in the mold, leading to grooves that turn into cracks when the slab is rolled to its final thickness. These defects can compromise the structural integrity of the steel, making it less suitable for certain applications.