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This work examines how edge masking and non‑uniform initial temperature profiles influence steel strip deformation during rapid cooling in endless production. The aim is to support industrial optimization of cooling sections by providing reliable data and validated numerical models. Material properties required for thermo‑mechanical simulations were measured experimentally over a wide temperature range. Position and temperature dependent heat transfer coefficients for different nozzle configurations, pressures, and strip orientations were determined using inverse analysis of temperature histories recorded inside heated test plates. These results were used to build a detailed cooling model in COMSOL Multiphysics capable of predicting deformation during cooling. Numerical simulations show that deformation can start very early in the cooling zone if the cooling intensity changes too quickly or if there is a strong difference between upper and bottom cooling. In such cases, the strip can bend or develop plastic strain that later results in permanent shape defects. The study evaluates the effect of various edge masking and uneven initial temperature across the strip width. Even small temperature deviations at the edges lead to noticeable edge waves or buckling after cooling. When the edges are colder, clear and permanent deformations appear. These results highlight that accurate control of the temperature distribution before entering the cooling section is as important as controlling the cooling intensity itself. The outcomes of this work provide guidelines for production-scale optimization. The model helps to understand the causes of strip deformation and supports improvements in strip flatness and overall product quality in endless manufacturing lines.