Steel product development in ACB - Departure and actual situation - Productivity increase and new developments on thin slab casting and rolling

摘要

ACB was the first thin slab casting and rolling plant in Europe, using CSP technology, and up to now is the only one that uses steel from electric arc furnace. This paper presents the evolution of the process and products in these facilities from the beginning in 1996 to the actual situation. Particular attention is paid to the development of microalloyed, electrical and weather resistant steels, the improvements in surface and internal quality and the modifications carried out in the plant in order to increase the productivity and quality. Furthermore, geometrical aspects and thin gauge rolling are presented with a view to a further hot strip thickness reduction down to 1 mm.