Impact of steelmaking and casting technologies on processing and properties of steel

The features of the steelshop that have most influence on steel processing and properties are reviewed and an attempt is made to envisage how these wi ll affect the further evolution of steelmaking technology. Since the Second World War, development of the industry has successively been driven by par adigms related to mass production, quality, cost management, closer involve ment with customers, and environmental impact. Innovations that have remain ed robust during paradigm changes include the basic oxygen furnace, the ele ctric are furnace, and continuous casting. The important role of secondary steelmaking in improving compositional control and cleanliness is emphasise d, and its future role in enabling production of improved ultralow carbon a nd interstitial free grades is discussed. Finally, the implications of the ever closer integration of the steelshop with the rolling mill, through the development of strip and thin strip casting routes, are assessed. Potentia l exists for innovative exploitation of the improved technologies and contr ol available in both the steelshop and casting and rolling facilities. (C) 2001 loM Communications Ltd.