FIELD: metallurgy. SUBSTANCE: machine for continuous casting thin band 14 incorporates casting mold 8 with two casting rolls 6, 7 forming clearance 13 for passage of billet in the form of band 14. Band 14 consists of two half-shells 12 and goes out vertically downward. Below clearance 13 support-guiding device 16 is located as the first guiding member for band 14, which provides change of direction of band going out of mold 8 from vertical into approximately horizontal. In order that band 14 be smoothly converted from vertical into horizontal direction and be not subjected to high values of bending stress or plastic deformations, support-guiding device 16 is made in the form of plate and has large bearing surface 25 for band 14. Surface 25, totally or partially, is made out of material with high thermal conductivity, particularly, out of copper or copper alloy, and is provided with wear-resistant layer. Support-guiding device 16 or its portion can be provided with internal cooling, for instance, by means of liquid. Method of operation of continuous casting machine ensures regulation of preassigned pressure between lower surface of band 14 and surface of support-guiding device 16 by means of appropriate suction and/or gas supply through gas conveying channels. This method ensures deviation of cast hot thin band from vertical into horizontal position without occurrence of large bending stresses, significant plastic deformations and without rise of tensile loads which cause formation of cracks or band breakage; simplification of regulation of band conveying. EFFECT: enhanced quality of cast band. 45 cl, 5 dwg
