Flatness for large and thin plates: results of a new quenching process

In 1996, FaFer started two new water-quenching lines for its thin (4 mm as a minimum) and large (dimensions of 13,000 x 3,200 mm(2)) carbon and stainl ess steel plates. A new process has been developed and patented which is ba sed on a plate guiding principle. This principle is opposed to the more tra ditional "press" concept. The basic ideas that have led to both achievement s are introduced as well as the results obtained in terms of flatness perfo rmances and decreased downgrading rate.