Economic Significance of Optimized Microalloyed Steels

摘要

The thin slab casting and rolling (TSCR) technology has been accepted worldwide as a most economical method for hot-band production. At the beginning of the 21st century, the maturing of TSCR processing coincided with an explosive growth of steelmaking capacity. The surge in steel utilization, caused by rapid modernization in China, contributed to supply-demand imbalance and increases in the cost of raw-materials and energy. To assure a "sustainable" growth rate, the concept of satisfying the engineering needs with less steel of better (stronger) quality has been endorsed in China as part of the "Steel Development Policy." Substitution of common C-Mn steels by microalloyed steels offers weight reduction at low cost. Hot bands made by TSCR process are particularly attractive. Highest reducing potential at lowest cost is achieved by optimizing alloy design and processing parameters. Substitution is beneficial to both steel producer (higher profit) and steel user (lower material cost). This "win-win" situation has a profound impact on economy and contributes to wealth formation.