When assessing the price of a CCM, you must look beyond the sticker cost and evaluate production capacity (tons per hour), the number of strands (single vs. multi-strand), and the casting radius. High-end machines feature Automatic Mold Level Control (AMLC) and Electromagnetic Stirring (EMS), which significantly improve billet quality but increase initial investment. Ensure the price includes the PLC automation system (typically Siemens or ABB) and high-pressure secondary cooling systems, as these are critical for operational stability.