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By Leonardo Camilo dos Reis, Edmilson Fernandes Dadomi, Claudio Silva de Paulo

In the hot strip mill production, one of the factors that may affect the productivity is the occurrence of failure due to the geometry of the strip at the exit of the rolling mill, because the tip of the strip can turn-down or turn-up. This study had the objective of evaluating the behavior of the strip when leaving the working rolls, through numerical simulation, aiming to know the influences of the main variables that govern the formation of the turn-down. The methodology consisted in performing the computational simulation of the strip mill and to vary the operational and geometric parameters that could influence the process. The results showed that the rolling of hot strips of HSLA material with final thickness varying between of 3 to 6 mm and a reduction of 6.6% to 11.0% in the last stand of a hot strip mill, tends to bend towards the roll with larger diameter, higher friction coefficient , higher temperature and lower limit of material flow. It was observed that the variation in diameter is the main factor that contributes to the formation of the curvature of the front-end of strip. Based on these results, several measures were implemented in the industrial line, with a significant reduction in the occurrence of turn-down.

Oct 2, 2019

By Alessandro Marques

Based on a short overview regarding steel defects in the final product, several refractory approaches to maintain or increase steel cleanliness are reviewed in this publication. By applying a ladle to mold approach, one potential to maintain cleanliness is to reduce the probability of air ingress by selection of a suitable slide gate system. Following this path, also the influence of a special configured impact pot is presented to maintain steel quality. Finally, higher productivity as well as cleanliness can be provided by selection of PROIL as a revolutionary product at the casting machine.

Oct 30, 2017

By John Ross Middleton

Based upon 30 years+ experience in the Development, Implementation and Ongoing Support of Computer based Melt Shop Management Systems in about 40 plants in the UK, Europe and the USA, consideration of the overall facilities of a state of the art, comprehensive, Integrated Melt Shop System covering Melting and Secondary processes for all grades of steels and superalloys; the scope of functionality of these systems, covering Raw Materials and Consumables Procurement and Inventory Management, Laboratory Management, Melt Shop Scheduling, Furnace Charge and Additions Optimisation, Level 1.5 to Level 2.5 Materials Optimisation and Process Control Calculations, Process Data Recording, Management of Ladles, Furnace Bodies, Vessels and Moulds, Comprehensive Management Reporting and Integration with Corporate ERP Systems. The second section of the paper reviews the key ‘Success Factors’ to achieve rapid, successful implementation, comprehensive, fast response user support, continuing system improvement and maintaining ‘perfect fit’ of system to operations in an ever changing future technical, operations and business environment.

Jul 29, 2018

By Arnaldo Forgas Júnior

Three techniques for ferrite quantification were applied in a duplex stainless steel UNS S31803 solution treated at three different temperatures, 1000, 1100 and 1200°C, in order to verify their compliance with the results from ThermoCalc® prediction. It is verified that only austenite and ferrite phases are present in the samples and that an increasing in solution treatment temperature led to the increase of the volume fraction of ferrite. It is also observed that quantitative stereology technique shows absolute values closer to ThermoCalc® predictions. On the other hand, measurements by ferritoscope and XRD show significant deviations, probably due to texturing effect imposed by the rolling process.

Aug 16, 2017

By Daniel Wild, Tobias Scheffer, Marvin Laugwitz, Martin Jochum

Leveling is a standard process in the rolling mill to eliminate flatness deviations. The process layout is based on models and the leveling result depends on the accuracy of the material parameters in these models. Even small deviations from the correct assumptions can have a major effect on the final flatness. Thus, after leveling the products may look optically flat, but subsequent to a final cutting process springback occurs due to residual stresses. The objective of this work is to analyze the influence of material parameters and gravity on the flatness after leveling. To evaluate the sensitivity of the process, an FE parameter study is exerted that reveals the influence of fluctuations in material properties in the case that the leveling setup is fixed. Gravity is neglected to not conceal flatness deviations. Examples of this study are rerun in a further step under consideration of gravity to also analyze its influence on the resulting flatness and residual stresses. Finally, to analyze the consequence of the residual stresses, all information of the plate from the previous step are transferred while gravity is suppressed to prompt springback. This study revealed that slight deviations of the material properties can lead to uneven plates in simulations where gravity is not considered. If gravity is taken into account, the unevenness is concealed and the plate seems flat. A springback simulation of the same plate shows that strong residual stresses are still present and would lead to unevenness if e.g. the plate were cut.

Oct 1, 2019

By Gerhard Finstermann, Ichiro Maeno, Takehiko Saito, Hironori Shimogama, Konrad Krimpelstätter

Automobile manufacturers are developing Electrified Vehicles with light steel body structure designs that reduce mass and therefore greenhouse gas emissions over the vehicle’s entire life cycle. This raises the demand for the production and development of Advanced and Ultra High-Strength Steels (AHSS / UHSS) and Electrical Steels with increased permeability and reduced core loss to improve energy conversion efficiency. To meet this requirements the steel market is tending towards new generations of AHSS with improved formability (3rd generation AHSS) and high-silicon steels with higher strength and thinner products. With this growing demand for advanced high-strength steels and electrical steels, producers are faced with a unique and interesting challenge in producing materials that strain or exceed the capabilities of existing mill equipment and automation designed to produce low- to medium-carbon sheet. While specialty steel producers have known for decades how to process special high-strength steels and thinner gauges, this equipment typically does not offer the yield and productivity desired by the market, necessitating innovation in re-engineering existing equipment to meet the market demands more economically than new construction. In the case of cold rolling, this can be supported through variable roll geometries, more effective roll-gap lubrication technologies, application of strip heaters (Warm Rolling) to reduce risk for edge crack propagation and strip breaks as well as continuous rolling managed by state-of-the-art automation technologies.

Oct 1, 2019

By Lucas Silva Fontes

Este estudo trata da metodologia de projeto de tratamento térmico para pinos J. O pino J funciona como fusível mecânico do obturador de produção de petróleo e deve romper numa determinada faixa de carga de cisalhamento, a fim de que não haja excesso de tração no obturador. Foram feitas análise química, análise da intensidade de tensões devida à forma do pino, ensaios de dureza e ensaios de cisalhamento. O estudo foi eficiente para determinar o adequado tratamento térmico a fim de garantir a tensão de cisalhamento estipulada no projeto do pino.

Aug 16, 2017

By L. Martins Demuner, D. Burzic, V. Cunha Aranda, F. L. Lourenço, G. Romeu Trindade dos Santos, F. Ramstorfer

For many years, Dynamic Soft Reduction has been regarded as a proper method in improving internal quality of slabs. Even though processes models improved significantly over the past years, the efficiency of Soft Reduction was always limited by the discretization error, which inherently exists if segment rollers cannot be positioned individually. The recently developed SRD segment type allows for an individual roller positioning within the mushy zone by avoiding any discretization deviation from the optimal gap. This paper provides a detailed technological overview of the SRD segments as well as operational results at their very first implementation at Ternium Brazil.

Oct 1, 2019

By Fabiano Almir Barbosa, Eduardo Alves Machado, Felipe Ferreira Cajano, Bruno Rodrigues Henriques

Spring steels are usually classified as medium to high carbon low alloy steels with very high yield strength, enabling the part to return to its original shape regardless of significant bending or twisting. Despite the fact that plain carbon steels are suitable for small springs, larger and high performance springs usually requires alloy steels such as Cr-V or Si-Mn in order to achieve an even microstructure throughout the cross section. Clutch diaphragm spring is a high performance part that requires very good cleanliness and microstructure homogeneity, thus requiring an alloy steel. In this paper was studied, in an industrial scale, the process parameters and critical characteristics for the development of a Cr and V alloyed high carbon sheet steel for the production of clutch diaphragm spring. The steel was characterized throughout the entire process (casting, hot rolling, cold rolling + batch annealing and heat treated) using tensile test, hardness test, optical microscopy (OM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to assess the mechanical and metallurgical properties of the studied steel. The results have shown the material’s microstructure evolution after each main stage of the process, from a ferrite-bainite/perlite based microstructure as hot band to fully spheroidized as cold-rolled/annealed and then fully martensitic as ready-to-use part.

Oct 1, 2019

By Francisco Morganti

Weight reduction is the main target of all carmakers, which results in a continuous development of new steel grades. Latest 3rdgeneration advanced high-strength steel grades (AHSS) are complex materials with special chemical compositions and multiphase microstructures. The pickling, annealing and galvanizing processes of these grades aresomewhatdifferent due to the changed chemical compositions and microstructures. Therefore, these innovative steel grades place new demands on the plant technology of pickling, annealing and galvanizing lines. The most significant challenges for the pickling process are sludge occurrence during pickling, varying pickling times, weld ability of the materials, changed visual appearance and required high surface qualities. The most important topic concerning annealing line is a precisely controlled and very flexible heating and cooling process in the furnace.One of the new requirements in galvanizing linesis the prevention of surface faults caused by bare spots, which can occur since these materials feature a higher content of alloying elements like silicon or manganese. Prevention is possible with the special pre-oxidation technologies.Due to the higher strength of the material also the mechanical equipment has to be designed differently in these lines. This paper describes the influences of the changed chemical composition and material characteristics of modern steel grades on the pickling, annealing and galvanizing process and gives an overview about the technical solutions.

Oct 30, 2017

By Fabiana Fonseca de Morais

A sinterização é um dos mais importantes e mais antigos processos de aglomeração da indústria metalúrgica. Entender a realidade atual do processo de sinterização e as qualidades requeridas para o sínter é primeiro passo para o desenvolvimento de equipamentos ou processo. Este trabalho visa entender o impacto das diferentes características de minério e resíduos empregados em uma sinterização, seu comportamento na qualidade do sínter e a sugestão de equipamentos para amenizar problemas encontrados. Parâmetros como CaO/SiO2, SiO2, Al2O3 e MgO são avaliados para entender a tendência do mercado e o efeito na qualidade final do sínter. A correta avaliação das necessidades da planta para otimização dos equipamentos a matéria-prima disponível se faz necessário para o melhor resultado no alto-forno. A granulometria da matéria-prima também é um ponto importante a ser analisado. O sinter feed tradicionalmente possui uma maior fração entre 0,7 e 6 mm, uma fração menor entre 0,2 e 0,7 mm e um conteúdo de ultrafino (<0,150 mm) limitado a 15%. Estudos identificam uma tendência do sinter feed com maior conteúdo de sílica e o consequente aumento da utilização de ultrafinos. Como resposta ao incremento de ultrafinos na sinterização as grandes siderúrgicas já estão investindo em equipamentos que minimizem grandes perdas de produtividade, como a instalação do misturador intensivo, utilizado em projetos da Pau Wurth. Outra solução inclui a instalação de uma mini-sinterização dedicada para receber este material mais fino e resíduos. O sínter produzido poderá ser adicionado diretamente no forno e/ou ser utilizado como nuclueante na sinterização grande para aumento de sua produtividade.

Aug 16, 2017

By Luiz Alberto dos Santos

. In this work, samples of the alloy with composition of 50.9 % at. Ni were machined and were subjected to hot tensile test, after the machining all the samples were solubilized so that all were in the same condition during the hot tensile test. The hot tensile tests were performed between the temperatures 350-650°C and the yield stress were between 800 and 597.1 MPa and area reduction between 17 and 75% with respect to the initial area. The test at 350°C shows a fragile fracture characteristic while the hot tensile test above this temperature showed a predominantly ductile fracture. The fragile fracture is evidenced by the river marks that are characteristic of this type of fracture, because in this condition does not promote much plastic deformation. The higher temperatures present ductile fracture, because present the dimples that also characterize this type of fracture. This work shows the temperature relationship in the mechanical properties, more specifically the hot tensile test, in the NiTi alloy.

Oct 30, 2017

By Mathias Woydt

The tribological and mechanical properties of binderless and metal-bonded niobium carbides (8 or 12 vol.-% of Cobalt, 12 vol.-% of Fe3Al) are presented. Rotating disks made of niobium carbide bearing hard metals were mated against alumina (99.7%) under unlubricated (dry) unidirectional sliding tests (0,1 m/s to 12,0 m/s; 22°C and 400°C) as well as in oscillation tests (f= 20 Hz, ?x= 0,2 mm, 2/50/98% rel. humidity, n= 105/106 cycles). Microstructure and phase compositions were determined as well. The tribological data obtained were benchmarked with different ceramics, cermets, hard metals and thermally sprayed coatings, where NbC bonded with 8% and 12% Co presented above 8 m/s the lowest wear rates so far in such a benchmark. Binderless NbC (HP-NbC1) and the metal bonded NbCs exhibited low wear rates under dry sliding associated with high P?V load carrying capacities. NbC-based hard metal bonded with 12 vol.-% of Fe3Al resulted in a higher hardness level than for 12 vol.-% cobalt. The tribological profile established revealed a strong position of NbC bearing materials under tribological considerations and for closed tribosystems against established reference tribo-couples.

Jul 31, 2018

By Eduardo Vitral

The present study focuses in the simulation of pattern formation by ion beam sputtering on a material surface. This process is responsible for the appearance of unexpectedly organized patterns, such as ripples, nanodots and hexagonal arrays of nanoholes. A numerical analysis of preexisting patterns is proposed to investigate surface dynamics, based on a model derived from a Kuramoto-Sivashinsky anisotropic equation, in a two dimensional surface with periodic boundary conditions. While deterministic, its highly nonlinear character gives a rich range of results, making it possible to describe accurately different patterns. A finite-difference semi-implicit splitting scheme is employed on the discretization of the governing equation. Simulations were conducted with realistic coefficients related to physical parameters (anisotropies, beam orientation, diffusion). The study dealt with a random and a monomode 1D structure initial condition in order to understand how the shape and wavelength of the initial pattern evolve with time. Ripples and hexagonal patterns were observed in the results, being physically consistent with the phenomenon. Moreover, the Method of Manufactured Solution has been used as verification of the developed numerical scheme.

Aug 16, 2017

By Yong Tian, Tian Zhang, Zhao-Dong Wang

To meet the requirements of high-performance steel plates, while reducing manufacturing costs and saving energy, the advanced cooling system for plate mill (ADCOS-PM) with functions of accelerated cooling (ACC), ultra-fast cooling (UFC), and direct quenching (DQ) was researched and developed by the State Key Laboratory of Rolling and Automation (RAL). Since 2003, several sets of ADCOS-PM device were developed and implemented in industrial practice. To fully utilize the ADCOS-PM technology, the combination of various strengthening mechanisms was promoted by NG-TMCP technology and low-cost, high performance plates were produced such as pipeline steels, and high-strength construction machinery steel.

Oct 1, 2019

By Mery-Cecilia Gómez-Marroquín

O presente trabalho trata da formação da ferrita de zinco a partir da mistura e posterior reação solido-solido entre o óxido de zinco e óxido de ferro - Fe2O3 puros em proporções equimolares. A faixa de temperatura onde teve lugar a formação foi entre 1073 e 1373 K. Testes de redução da ferrita da zinco sintética-ZF e pós de aciaria elétrica–EAFD foram realizadas usando misturas de CO e CO2 que variaram entre 50 e 100% CO. Ambos os testes (formação e redução de ZF e EAFD) foram suportados usando técnicas de caracterização física, química, estrutural e microscópica. No caso da redução, foi observado que tanto a temperatura como a percentagem de CO, foram os fatores que, mais afetarem a redução de ferrita de zinco contida no EAFD. A máxima percentagem de redução da ZF foi 85%, para 100% CO, 1373K e 105 min, e 52%, para 50% CO, 1373K e 105 min. Por outro lado, atingiu o 100% para 100% CO, 1273K, em 80.75 min, 60%, para 50% CO a 1373K durante 105 min. no caso da redução do EAFD

Aug 17, 2017

By Mery-Cecilia Gómez-Marroquín

O presente trabalho trata da formação da ferrita de zinco a partir da mistura e posterior reação solido-solido entre o óxido de zinco e óxido de ferro - Fe2O3 puros em proporções equimolares. A faixa de temperatura onde teve lugar a formação foi entre 1073 e 1373 K. Testes de redução da ferrita de zinco sintética-ZF e pós de aciaria elétrica–EAFD foram realizadas usando misturas de CO e CO2 que variaram entre 50 e 100% CO. Ambos os testes (formação e redução de ZF e EAFD) foram suportados usando técnicas de caracterização física, química, estrutural e microscópica. No caso da redução, foi observado que tanto a temperatura como a percentagem de CO, foram os fatores que, mais afetaram a redução de ferrita de zinco contida no EAFD. A máxima percentagem de redução foi 85%, para 100% CO, 1373 K e 105 min, e 52%, para 50% CO, 1373 K e 105 min. Por outro lado, atingiu o 100% para 100% CO, 1273K, em 80.75 min, 60%, para 50% CO a 1373 K durante 105 min.

Aug 16, 2017

By Yuechang Wang

A new method of manufacturing the wavy-tilt-dam(WTD) mechanical seal has been mentioned. In this method, the special equipment is designed to provide a predetermined force to external and inner circular surface of the ring. After milling the end face of the seal by grinding miller and releasing the preload, the wavy-tilt-dam can be done on the seal surface. In this paper, a prediction model is built up to investigate the relationship between the predetermined force and the deformation on the surface of the ring by using ANSYS software. A WTD ring is manufactured by this method which approves that the prediction model is in accord with the real process and this manufacturing method of the WTD mechanical seal is a proper choice.

Jul 31, 2018

By Peter Hodnik, Gabriele Paulon, Herbert Moser, Thierry Gautreau, Loris Busolini

At voestalpine Stahl, Linz a new conventional slab caster has been installed to produce mainly automotive and electrical applications grades, implementing the latest design solutions: tight pitch roll geometry, mould and strand stirring and braking devices, SEN water modelling validation, enhanced roll cooling design to allow dry casting conditions, finely defined slab cooling system layout to control slab surface temperature across the width. To control these design solutions the latest generation of technological packages has been implemented like detailed solidification model based on meshless computational algorithm and a fully dynamic application of soft reduction to achieve sound internal quality results.

Oct 1, 2019

By Jônatas Venancio Barbosa, Dagoberto Brandão Santos, Túlio Magno Füzessy de Melo

In this work, the mechanical and metallurgical behavior of titanium added ultra-low carbon (ULC-Ti) steel under hot and warm working conditions was studied by means of dilatometer compression tests. Double compression schedules were performed at temperatures between 700°C and 1000°C, inter-pass times of 0.5-100 s, and deformations of 0.5 and 0.3 in the first and second stages, respectively, with strain rate of 1 s-1. The analysis of the flow curves obtained allowed the evaluation of the softening characteristics of the steel. The softening and microstructure features indicate different restoration mechanisms depending on the temperature range. Static recrystallization with rapid microstructure restoration is observed at temperatures within the austenitic and intercritical field. Strain induced boundary motion and recovery mechanisms apparently control the restoration process in the ferrite region. In general, flow stress curves showed dynamic recovery behavior. Only the deformation in the intercritical region produced a peak in the flow stress curves. Isothermal holding tests associated with single hit compression indicated the presence of dynamic strain induced transformation, accelerating the softening kinetics at the intercritical region.

Oct 1, 2019