Fabrication of pure copper rods containing continuous columnar crystals by continuous unidirectional solidification technology

Pure copper rods containing continuous columnar crystals were fabricated using the downward CUS (Continuous Unidirectional Solidification) equipment. When the technological parameters were set as the ranges of mould temperature 1100-1300℃,cooling distance (the distance from the exit of the cast mould to the start point of cooling) 10-20 mm, casting speed 0.2-2.5 mm/s,cooling water (20-25℃) volume 1000-1320 L/h, and when these parameters matched reasonably, the CUS process was performed stably, and pure copper rods containing continuous columnar crystals with bright and smooth surface were produced. The dendritic arm spacing of the crystals in copper rods decreased with increasing the casting speed. The results of the texture by X-ray diffraction analysis showed that the rods has strong <100> fiber texture.