4. Conclusion and discussion
In this paper, a material flow cost accounting analysis was carried out for twin-roll casting of AZ31 twin-roll-cast strips. In this context, a valid model consisting of four submodels was developed to understand the environmental and financial effects of material and energy consumption. With respect to the results, it should be noted that the quantities and costs can only be applied to the pilot plant configuration. In addition peak prices were assumed and raw materials are subjected to fluctuations. In case of an industrial production, the consumptions and production costs will be further reduced based on extended production campaigns and quantity discounts for the required inputs. However, the results of the material flow cost accounting analysis illustrated that the twin-roll casting process is a resource-efficient and economic process despite short production runs. Moreover, it was shown how costs varied depending on the production volume. To further optimize the twin-roll casting technology, the steel casting nozzle was identified as a major cost driver. Options to achieve a price reduction are on the one hand improved manufacturing processes of the casting nozzle and on the other hand the development of production strategies using ceramic nozzles.
