Thanks for your reesponse on our cracking problems. We have ordered a new cone and in the mean time we have welded the effected part and have used dye penetration test for finding the magnitude of crack. But what in I am interested is the reasons;thats why such cracks develop, either due to misappropriate operating, startup /shutdown procedures. improper jackingup the mill at the startup time, overdue servicing of trunion etc. Or only due to matelurgical/ casting failure. Furthermore please let me have the diagnoses procedure/test for the above.