Abstract
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 will affect the further evolution of steelmaking technology. Since the Second World War, development of the industry has successively been driven by paradigms related to mass production, quality, cost management, closer involvement with customers, and environmental impact. Innovations that have remained robust during paradigm changes include the basic oxygen furnace, the electric arc furnace, and continuous casting. The important role of secondary steelmaking in improving compositional control and cleanliness is emphasised, and its future role in enabling production of improved ultralow carbon and 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. Potential exists for innovative exploitation of the improved technologies and control available in both the steelshop and casting and rolling facilities.
Get full access to this article
View all access options for this article.