In near net shape casting the metal is cast to a form and dimensions that is close to the what required for the finished product. This reduces the processing needed to finish the product. In other words, this technology integrates the casting and hot rolling of steel into one process step, thereby reducing the need to reheat the steel before rolling (Worrell et al., 2010. p. 93). Thin Slab Casting (TSC) and Strip Casting (SC) are two main types of near net shape casting and they are both continuous processes.   

In the case of TSC, the steel is cast directly to slabs with a thickness between 30 and 60 mm – instead of slabs with a thickness of 120–300 mm. This technology has been a success in the US mini–mills producing flat products. TSC offers significant energy savings.

Thin strip casting, near net shape casting technologies hold a high applicability potential for China, India and the US.  However, these technologies require major changes in the plant and may not be applicable to many plants where flexibility in production is required.