Innovation as a Key Factor for the Ongoing Success of VAI Continuous-Casting Technology

摘要

Looking back to the late 80's and early 90's, VAI and its competitors in engineering and supply of continuous casting technology were confronted with a changing market situation. From a technical aspect, and as a most noticeable sign, it was the time when the integrated casting bow that was characteristic for VAI's slab casters left the scene and was replaced, first by mini bows, and later by a segmented strand guidance . Secondly, there was intense competition for increasing casting speeds e.g. demonstrated by Japanese casters, which still were conventional slab casters but with a maximum casting speed of up to 3 m/min. And thirdly it was the time when the revolutionary field of thin slab casting and rolling was tested on a larger scale and first industrial capacities were installed. From a marketing aspect, it had to be stated that the market penetration of continuous casting in many industrialized countries was beyond 85%. Consequently, the increasing competition was also a commercial one. As we know today, an essential number of suppliers of casting machines lost their independence or no longer exist Finally, the ownership structure of many of VAI's customers changed considerably. Earlier, the vast majority of steel producers were government owned or controlled. Nowadays, the majority of steel producers are privately owned and/or internationally oriented. In parallel, the focus of investments changed within the last years. Within this global business scenario, innovations can no longer focus only on the technological merits of an invention but must include the aspects of organization / processes and the market as well (Figure1). The following article will highlight critical aspects in all three areas and it will show the consistency of the successful innovation strategy of VAI's continuous casting technology.