A process for casting metallic strips thicker than from melt-drag processes but thinner than the inherent normal thickness of a cast melt is disclosed. The disclosed process casts molten metal, without decanting or accelerating the molten stream, onto a channel-shaped chill surface. After casting, the molten strip acquires a high thermal gradient. Following thermal shrinkage of the underside the molten top layer is squeegeed using a chill roll to uniformly distribute and crystallize the top surface.