Speaker
Description
The deployment of numerical modelling in continuous casting (CC) is increasingly recognized as a strategic enabler for process control, quality improvement and operational efficiency. Nevertheless, its systematic adoption across steelmaking organizations remains limited by technical, organizational and cultural barriers. Within this context, the RFCS Accompanying Measure METACAST was launched to enhance dissemination, training, networking and awareness on casting modelling practices (at first focused on continuous- , but relevant also for ingot casting).
This contribution presents quantitative results from a cross stakeholder survey carried out at the conclusion of the METACAST project, focusing on the role of modelling in continuous casting of steel. A structured questionnaire was submitted to European stakeholders targeting three main perspectives: modelling users, training approaches, and management views. The survey explored familiarity with modelling tools, current usage patterns, perceived value, bottlenecks, and expectations for future developments. The results demonstrate a broad consensus on the strategic relevance of modelling to support process optimization, defect mitigation and metallurgical understanding, especially when applied as a fast and reliable support to operational decision making. Model users emphasize its usefulness for process understanding and troubleshooting, while reporting significant variability in expertise levels and frequency of use. Training related feedback reveals fragmented and uneven capability building practices. Formal training programmes are often absent or limited to R&D profiles, mainly due to resource constraints, lack of specialised trainers and insufficient alignment with plant level needs. From a management perspective, modelling is largely perceived as valuable, but investments are hindered by unclear return on investment, high costs and time to answer constraints. Rapid delivery of actionable results and concise evidence of benefits are identified as decisive factors to foster stronger organisational commitment.
Successful digitalisation of casting processes relies not only on advanced modelling capabilities, but also on structured capability building, evidence‑based dissemination and stakeholder coordination.
| Speaker Company/University | RINA Consulting - Centro Sviluppo Materiali SpA |
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