EuroWire May 2024

Technical Article

The production of super-thin, high-carbon wire rods eliminates the need for intermediate annealing and reduces production costs. The collaboration with SMS group SpA has enabled Caleotto to innovate and offer high-quality drawing steel, positioning itself as an innovative producer in Europe. The new dimensional range, combined with advanced technologies, enhances product offerings and strengthens customer partnerships. Looking ahead, the commissioning of a new large-diameter bar-in-coil line in 2024 aims to expand capabilities further and consolidate relationships with customers.

Wire rod coils used during the trials

This treatment is also applied to steels for welding wire rod production, to obtain a fully ferritic-pearlitic structure without the presence of martensite. Rolling small-diameter wire rods at high speeds, particularly 4.5mm wire rods, presents challenges and advantages. Accurate conveyance and guidance are needed to prevent vibrations and tangling during the rolling process. By optimising the line for smaller diameters, the rolling speed can be increased to 105m/s, improving productivity by 18 per cent. Trials conducted at Caleotto in 2023 evaluated the quality and benefits of reducing wire rod diameter. Results showed that the mechanical and microstructural characteristics met quality standards across various steel grades. Reducing diameter provided advantages such as reduced drawing steps, leading to cost savings and enhanced plasticity for subsequent processes. Different steel grades benefited from the reduction in diameter. Low-carbon steels like C4C and C7D experienced decreased drawing steps, resulting in smoother processing and cost savings. Medium- and high-carbon steels, used for mechanical components and high-strength ropes, benefited from increased plasticity and finer microstructures, reducing the need for intermediate heat treatments. Caleotto, part of the Feralpi Group, has modernised its rolling mill to produce a wide dimensional range, including small diameters like 4.5mm. This expansion offers advantages in various applications, such as thin-drawn wire for high-performance ropes and components for springs, cold heading or rolling.

SMS group SpA Via Udine, 103 33017 Tarcento Udine Italy

Tel: +39 0432 799111 Fax: +39 0432 784556 Website: www.sms-group.com

Feralpi Siderurgica SpA Via Carlo Nicola Pasini, 11 25017 Lonato del Garda Brescia Italy

Tel: +39 030 9996 1 Website: www.feralpigroup.com

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May 2024