TPT March 2013

Stainless steel production

Stainless steel production

The AOD and VOD processes developed in the Fifties and Sixties of the last century prompted striking advances in stainless steel production by 1970 or so, and we enjoy the benefits – lower materials costs, higher productivity, improved quality – to this day. No less dramatic, if less apparent, are the refinements since that time, principally as they relate to environmental concerns. Having a favourable strength-to-weight ratio compared to most other metals, stainless steel can be engineered to lighter gauges, for important raw materials savings. The comparatively high value of stainless scrap ensures that detritus is melted down rather than

sent to a landfill. Owing to their stability at ambient temperatures there is no leaching or run-off with stainless alloys. The metal distinguished for its satiny gleam is in fact a quintessential “green” material. The professionals whose products and services are reviewed here know this, and they are committed to showing ecology- conscious designers, architects and engineers how to get from stainless steel everything it has in it to give.

Photo: With the aid of the Springmatic measuring system integrated into the bending tool, tube processing companies can bend, measure and adjust in a single stage. Schwarze-Robitec GmbH – Germany