After undergoing any ladle treatments, such as alloying and degassing, the ladle is transported to the top of the casting machine. From the ladle, the hot metal is transferred though a shroud to a holding bath called a tundish, Metal is drained from the tundish through another shroud into the top of an open-base copper mould. Liquid steel is continuously poured into the mould to replenish the withdrawn steel at an equal rate. The withdrawal rate depends on the cross section grade and quality of steel is being produced. Casting time is typically 60-70 minutes per heat to avoid excessive ladle heat losses.

After exiting the mould, it passes through the spray-chamberin which the solidifying strand is sprayed with water or air mist for solidification. This area preserves cast shape integrity and product quality.