VAI’sContinuous-CastingTechnologyHowcompetenceresultsinclient’ssatisfactionAuthors:A.Flick,K.Mörwald,J.Lanschützer,P.JuzaWithatrackrecordforthesupplyofcontinuouscastingmachinesofabout4decades,VAI,theworld'sleadingsupplierofcontinuouscastingmachines,reachedamarketshareofabout50%oftheglobalcontinuouscastingmarket.Thisalsoincludestherelatedautomationsystemsandservices.ThereasonforthissustainablesuccessisbasedonVAI’scompetenceinthefieldofmetallurgicalknowhow,inthetechnologyandinthemodularisation,parameterisationofequipmentdesignandautomation.VAIhasdevelopednumeroustechnologicalpackagesandeconomicalsolutionsforboth-newcastersandcasterrevamps,tomeetthesteelcompaniesfunctionalandinvisiblerequirementsconcerningproductivity,flexibility,increasedproductqualityandloweroperatingandmaintenancecost.Typicalexampleswillbepresented.VAIaspireshighestclient’ssatisfactionbyongoinginvestmentsinresearchanddevelopmentwhichresultsinnewproductslikeLiquiRob,SmartMoldandDynaGap.Theresultswillbeoutlinedinthepaper.