Patent ID: 8365806

Claim:
A method for producing metal strip ( 1 ) by direct strand reduction, in which a thin slab ( 3 ) is first cast in a casting machine ( 2 ) and then rolled in at least one rolling train ( 4 , 5 ) with utilization of primary heat of a casting process, wherein the cast thin slab ( 3 ) passes through at least one holding furnace ( 6 ) and directly after the holding furnace through an induction furnace ( 7 , 8 , 9 ), between the casting machine ( 2 ) and the at least one rolling train ( 4 , 5 ) or within the rolling train ( 5 ), where the holding furnace ( 6 ) and the induction furnace ( 7 , 8 , 9 ) are activated or deactivated and controlled by open-loop or closed-loop control as a function of a selected mode of operation, namely, a first mode of operation of continuous production of the metal strip ( 1 ) and a second mode of operation of discontinuous production of the metal strip ( 1 ), wherein a first shear ( 13 ) is arranged behind the casting machine ( 2 ) for cutting thin slabs ( 3 ) during the second, discontinuous mode of operation, and a further shear ( 14 ) is arranged ahead of a coiler for cutting the strip during the first, continuous mode of operation, wherein the selection of the mode of operation is made as a function of at least one of the following: the final thickness of the metal strip ( 1 ) to be produced; the casting speed of the thin slab ( 3 ); and a thickness of a product to be produced and the speed of the metal strip ( 1 ) or thin slab ( 3 ).