1597735130

IIM METAL NEWS
Vol. 23 No. 7 July 2020
C TECHNICAL ARTICLE
Sponge Iron / HBI Substitute Scrap for Quality Products 5
O - S K Dutta
N TECHNICAL ARTICLE
T Successful Production of Low, Medium & High Alloy
11
Steels by Indian Induction Furnace Units
E - Srikumar Chakraborty
N Recent Developments 17
News Update 21
T
Events Calendar 25
S Steel Statistics 25
CRC Meeting 28
Obituary 30
IIM Chapter Activity 30
Member News 31
CII - IIM Joint Training Course 32
Nonferrous Metals Statistics 33
Crude Steel Production 34
The IIM Metal News and The Indian Institute of Metals do not accept any responsibility for the statements
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Vol.23 No. 7 JULY 2020 3 IIM METAL NEWS

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IIM METAL NEWS 4 Vol.23 No. 7 JULY 2020

TECHNICAL ARTICLE
Sponge Iron / HBI Substitute Scrap for Quality Products

S K Dutta
ABSTRACT is evident that sponge iron/HBI is influence the supply

The advent of continuous casting, which accounts and demand balance for steel scrap because electric
for 96.4% of the world and 86.4% Indian crude steel furnace operators regard it as a high-quality substitute
output, has reduced drastically internal scrap generation for scrap. Sponge iron/HBI is now recognized as a
in steel plants. The non-availability of consistent high quality, cheaper and high purity charge material
quality at a reasonable price necessitated the search for on the world over. In comparison with scrap, the use
an alternative to scrap for use in steelmaking. These of sponge iron/HBI offers consistency in composition
problems have been overcome with the help of sponge and size, low residual elements and environment
iron/HBI which is product of DR processes. Steel scrap friendliness. Sponge iron/HBI is not only a substitute
is an important metallic feed material for electric steel for steel scrap as a feed material in electric arc furnace
making. Sponge iron/HBI is not only a substitute for (EAF) / induction melting furnace (IMF), but also a
steel scrap as a feed material in EAF/IMF, but also a more suitable melting stock for the good quality steel
more suitable melting stock for the good quality steel production.
production. Sponge iron/HBI derived from virgin SCRAP
iron units is a relatively pure material which dilutes Steel plants generate a lot of scrap in the form of
contaminants in the scrap and improves the steel quality. rejected material, chop-out of ingot head etc. These
Sponge iron/HBI offers consistency in composition are variously called as home scrap, home returns,
and size, low residual elements and environment plant returns, circulating scrap etc. which are about
friendliness. 25-30% of ingot steel production. Due to adoption
INTRODUCTION of continuous casting in place of ingot casting, the
India occupied 2nd position in the world’s steel circulating scrap generation is drastically decreased.
production1 by producing 106.5 million tonnes (Mt) Although it is feasible to use 100% hot metal charge
steel in 2018. The world steel production is shared by in a steelmaking furnace, it is also necessary to use the
mainly two processes: i) oxygen steel making and ii) home scrap, which is generated within the plant, as part
electric furnace (in a ratio of 71:29). The consumption of the charge to utilize some of the scrap.
of scrap is about 900 kg from a total metallic charge Scrap is an energy intensive, valuable commodity and
of roughly 1080 kg for producing one tonne of liquid price of scrap is dictated by market demand. Scrap
steel through electric arc furnaces. In oxygen steel comes primarily from three main sources:
making, about 20 to 25% of the charge is scrap which i) Reclaimed scrap (also known as obsolete scrap)
act as coolant. The advent of continuous casting, which is obtained from old cars, demolished buildings,
accounts 96.4% of the world and 86.4% Indian crude discarded machineries and domestic objects.
steel output1, has reduced drastically internal scrap
ii) Industrial scrap (also known as prompt scrap) is
generation in steel plants. The non-availability of
generated by industries using steel within their
consistent quality at a reasonable price necessitated the
manufacturing processes.
search for an alternative to scrap for use in secondary
steel sectors. These problems have been overcome with iii) Revert scrap (also known as home scrap) is
the help of sponge iron / hot briquetted iron (HBI). It generated within the steelmaking and forming
processes industries, e.g. chop-out from ingot,
rolling operation; metallic losses in slag; defected
Former Professor & Head, Metallurgical & Materials Engg. Dept.,
M S. University of Baroda
or rejected portion of ingot/casting etc.
At present Adviser/Consultant for Iron & Steelmaking The last two forms of scrap tend to be good quality, i.e.
E-mail : drskdutta1981@gmail .com they are near to chemical composition of the desired

molten steel composition and thus these are ideal for chemical and physical characteristics of raw materials
recycle. Steel scrap is the most recycled material in used in the process. Iron ore or pellets, reductant (i.e.
the world, and more steel scrap is recycled than all non-coking coal or natural gas) and limestone/dolomite
the other materials combined. Alloy steel scrap is the are the main raw materials for DR technology. Based
cheap source of alloying elements for the charge. The on the types of reductant used, the DR processes can be
price of scrap can differ widely depending on demand broadly classified into two groups:
and supply, as well as the location of the scrap yard. 1. Using solid reductant i.e. Coal-based Direct
When scrap is used instead of ores for producing steels, Reduction (DR) Processes, and
there are savings in a variety of ways. Recycling, when 2. Using gaseous reductant i.e. Gas-based Direct
compared to producing new steel from mines, offers Reduction (DR) Processes.
advantages2:
DR processes are summarized as shown in Table 1.
 97% reduction in mining wastes,
Gas-based processes account 79.7% of the world's
 90% savings in the amount of raw materials used, sponge iron production, out of that Midrex alone
 86% reduction in the air pollution produced, contributes 63.5% production in 2018 (as shown in
 76% reduction in the water pollution, Table 2).
 75% reduction in energy consumption, and Sponge iron has been fast gaining ground throughout
the world since 1980s, mainly because of the shortage
 40% savings in the amount of water used.
of coking coal for blast furnace and steel scrap for
SPONGE IRON/HBI steelmaking. Sponge iron/HBI is produced by direct
Sponge iron is obtained when iron ore (generally lump reduction of iron ore by using non-coking coal/natural
hematite iron ore, pellets) is reduced to metallic form gas. World production of sponge iron/HBI for top five
in solid state. Since there is no melting, external shape countries are shown in Table 3. World sponge iron/HBI
of raw material is retained. Colour changes from red production increased by more than 13 Mt over 2017,
to black. The true density changes from about 3.5 to exceeding 100 Mt in 2018, according to data collected
4.4 gm/cm3. The true density of pure iron is 7.8 gm/ by Midrex Technologies, Inc4. India is continuing
cm3. Thus, there is about 45% to 56% reduction in true to dominate in production of sponge iron/HBI in the
volume and this is manifested in the formation of pores world. India increased production 25.8% with respect
throughout the interior of sponge iron pieces. to previous year, whereas at the same time world's
Direct reduction (DR) processes are very sensitive to production increased only 15.4%.
Table 1 : DR processes3
Process Type of Type of Ore Type of Rank*
Reactor Use Reductant
MIDREX Shaft Lump / Pellet Gaseous 1
HyL Retort/Shaft -do- -do- 3
SL/RN, ACCAR, CODIR etc. Rotary Kiln -do- Solid 2
HIB Fluidized Bed Fine Gaseous 4
* Rank is in terms of popularity and production in the world.
Table 2: World sponge iron production by process (Mt/year)4

Process 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018
Total % Total % Total % Total % Total %
Midrex 47.12 63.2 45.77 63.1 47.14 64.8 56.65 65.0 63.86 63.5
HyL 12.04 16.2 11.62 16.0 12.66 17.4 14.68 16.9 15.61 15.5
Other gas based 0.0 0.0 0.51 0.7 0.24 0.3 0.44 0.5 0.72 0.7
Coal based 15.43 20.6 14.74 20.2 12.67 17.4 15.34 17.6 20.31 20.2
Total 74.59 100.0 72.64 100.0 72.71 99.9 87.11 100.0 100.5 99.9

Table 3: Sponge iron production for top five countries of the world (Mt)4
Country 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 % growth
India 17.77 17.31 17.68 18.47 22.34 28.11 25.8
Iran 14.46 14.55 14.55 16.01 20.55 25.75 25.3
Saudi Arabia 6.07 6.46 5.80 5.89 5.74 6.00 4.5
Russia 5.33 5.35 5.44 5.70 6.99 7.90 13.0
Mexico 6.13 5.98 5.50 5.31 6.01 5.97 -0.7
World (Total) 74.92 74.59 72.64 72.71 87.10 100.49 15.4
Sponge iron is consumed in three primary product secondary route of steelmaking. The steel produced
forms namely lump, pellet and hot briquette. The other using iron ore as a raw material in its initial stage,
secondary product form is cold briquette made from is considered as primary route of steelmaking. The
sponge iron fines. Hot briquette form is popularly process in which steel is produced using scrap/sponge
known as hot briquetted iron (HBI). HBI is a combined iron/HBI is known as secondary route of steelmaking.
solid form of sponge iron lump and pellet, hot pressed The main furnaces that are used to produce steel through
at 700 to 8000C, immediately after its production in gas- secondary route are electric arc furnaces (EAF) and
based processes. Sponge iron is discharged hot from the induction melting furnaces (IMF).
reduction furnace and pushed into the nip between two Electric Arc Furnace (EAF)
counter rotating rollers by a mechanical or hydraulic
In an electric arc furnace, scrap and or sponge iron
screw. This process occurs at high temperatures and
HBI are melted and converted into high quality steel
high pressing forces (120 kN per cm active roller
by using power electric arcs formed between a cathode
width)5. The continuous string of briquettes leaving the
and anode. There are two types of direct arc furnaces:
rollers is guided by a heavy chute and separated into
a) AC arc furnace, and b) DC arc furnace.
mostly singles for by a rotor with impact bars in the
case of shaft furnace based direct reduction processes. (a) Alternate current (AC) arc furnace has three
Table 4 compares the physical properties of different electrodes and they are fed from a three-phase supply
forms of sponge iron. input, one phase connected to each electrode and the
charge is the neutral point. There are acid lining EAF
Main advantages of sponge iron/HBI are6:
and basic lining EAF; basic furnace is most popular
i) uniform composition, due to removal of sulphur and phosphorous from the
ii) uniform size, melt.
iii) very low tramp elements (0.02%) with respect to (b) Direct current (DC) arc furnace has only a single
scrap (0.13 to 0.73%), and electrode which act as cathode and the bottom of the
iv) low sulphur. vessel act as anode. These furnaces are applicable only
in large sizes.
ELECTRIC FURNACES
EAF process is more popular due to the following6:
Modern steelmaking has been divided into two
categories namely primary route of steelmaking and 1. It requires less capital investment,
Table 4: Physical Properties of Sponge Iron3

Product Carbon Metallization Apparent Bulk Shape & Weight Relative
Forms (%) (%) Density (kg/m3) Density Size (m) (kg) Fines
(×10 )3
(t/m )
3
(× 10 )
-3
(×10 ) Generation
-3
Lump 0.2 Max 93 Max 3.0 1.7 Irregular, 3-5 More

3 - 25
Pellets 1.0 Min 92 Min 3.5 1.6 - 2.0 Spherical, 3-4 Less
4 - 20
HBI 0.9-1.5 93.5 5.0 2.6 - 2.7 Pillow like, 450 -750 Minimum
35×50×110

2. It requires less installation period, mechanical and metallurgical properties of the product.
3. Any grade and superior quality of steels can be The uniform size of sponge iron/HBI facilitates
produced from scrap/sponge iron, continuous charging. Since sponge iron has/HBI low
4. Increasing availability of alternate iron sources, thermal conductivity, it is always charged after initially
like sponge iron, hot metal etc., getting molten pool i.e. producing hot heel by melting
of steel scrap. Melting of sponge iron/HBI in EAF is
5. Alloying elements can be added directly to the
greatly influenced by factors like carbon content and
furnace with minimum loss and hence composition
degree of metallization of sponge iron/HBI.
of bath can be controlled easily,
Sponge iron/HBI is still used primarily to make long
6. Temperature of the molten bath can be controlled
products in the developing world where scrap supplies
within narrow limits,
are limited and costly to import. The products include
7. Improvement in the operation, control, efficiency, reinforcing bars and light structural steel. In the
and high metallic yield; and industrialized world, scrap is abundant and steels with
8. It has readymade market and easily available of low metallic residuals are required to produce high
main raw material from local market. quality flat products and low nitrogen steels8. In those
Induction Melting Furnace (IMF) cases, the chemical purity of sponge iron/HBI dilutes
In induction furnace, heat energy for melting metallic the copper and other undesirable metals content in the
charge is obtained from induced current produced by charge, while the FeO-carbon reaction with oxygen
the principle of electro-magnetic induction. Furnace enhances foamy slag, which purges nitrogen from the
is comprised of a silica lined refractory crucible in a steel bath.
cylindrical steel shell. The coil lined with refractory Sponge iron/HBI is charged to the furnace time to
material act as a primary coil. When electric current is time to the hot heel by basket in batch charging; where
passed through this coil, induced current is produced buildup of sponge iron/HBI take place, which have
in metallic charge. The heat produced from the electric an adverse effect during the melting period. Creating
resistance, melts the solid charge. Due to electro- agglomerates of sponge iron/HBI into the furnace,
magnetic action, induction heating produces circular which are difficult to melt further and require oxygen
eddy currents within the molten mass creating a stirring lancing. Charging of very large quantity of sponge
effect ensuring uniformly mixed homogeneous molten iron/HBI in a batch system poses operational problems.
metal. When greater percentages of sponge iron/HBI are to
In India, IMF is widely used for secondary steelmaking be charged, it is necessary to use continuous charging
due to techno-economic and commercial reasons. The method. The usual practice is to charge a basket of
coreless medium frequency induction melting furnaces scrap which representing from 20 to 50% of total
are available having 15 kW to 12 MW corresponding charge, to melt that scrap partially to create a molten
to the furnace capacity of 5 t to 30 t per charge pool and then to feed sponge iron/HBI at a particular
respectively7. rate. EAF productivity will be negatively affected if a
MELTING ferro-berg forms (i.e. sponge iron floats above the slag
Electric Arc Furnace level just like ice-berg floats in Atlantic Ocean) due to
over-feeding of the sponge iron/HBI9. Probability of
Scrap is an extremely heterogeneous byproduct and its ferro-berg formations are more for sponge iron than
quality varies from region to region, type to type, and
HBI, due to lighter density of sponge iron. Since HBI is
lot to lot. To match demand for high product quality,
denser than sponge iron, HBI sinks to the bath; sponge
steelmakers must start with high quality raw materials.
iron floats to the slag-metal interface.
The non-availability of scrap of consistent quality
and at a reasonable price necessitated the search for 100% sponge iron/HBI charge is achieved by keeping
a suitable alternative to scrap. In this context, sponge a heel of molten metal (about 20-25%) in the furnace
iron/HBI is the best alternative to scrap as charging after tapping and then feeding sponge iron/HBI for a
material in EAF. Sponge iron/HBI has uniform new heat. Tramp elements can be controlled in the steel
chemical and physical characteristics. This promotes bath by 100% sponge iron/HBI charge. The melting
the use of sponge iron in the charge of EAF, as partial and refining are done simultaneously and leaving
replacement to scrap, which ultimately improves the only an adjusting period for deoxidizing additions

(i.e. blocking of heat) and a temperature check before in the sponge iron/HBI; the volume of slag is usually
tapping. larger when a part of scrap is substituted by sponge
Continuously charging of sponge iron/HBI with iron/HBI. As the percentage of gangue increases, slag
metallization of 90 - 95% and carbon content of 1.8% volume is also increased with fixed percent of sponge
leads to a foamy slag without addition of further iron/HBI charged in EAF.
carbon. Increasing carbon level to the sponge iron/HBI The major part of sponge iron/HBI production is used
above 1.8% is not economical since the additional costs as a substitute for scrap in the electric steelmaking
in the sponge iron/HBI do not fulfill any technical need furnaces. Sponge iron/HBI derived from virgin
and are not offset by any cost savings in the melt shop. iron units is a relatively pure material which dilutes
The carbon reacts with unreduced iron oxide (i.e. FeO contaminants in the scrap and improves the steel
+ C = Fe + CO) giving CO gas evolution from liquid quality.
bath i.e. carbon boil, which results into subsequent Induction Melting Furnace
removal of hydrogen and nitrogen gases, as well as
India is perhaps the only country in the world using
slag inclusion; and ultimately producing cleaned steel.
induction furnaces on a large scale to produce
The carbon boil also makes foamy slag which prevent
secondary steel. In fact, construction quality steel is
radiation loss as well as absorption of nitrogen from
being produced mostly by induction melting furnaces
atmosphere. Nitrogen pick up to the molten bath
(IMF) all over the country as it has become unviable to
depend on dissolved oxygen content in the bath; less
make it through EAFs due to exorbitant power cost12.
oxygen content in the bath, more nitrogen picks up to
Many mini mills in India have shutdown their EAFs
the molten bath. Therefore, higher carbon content in
and have installed IMFs of 5 to 15 t capacity.
sponge iron/HBI is always desired by steelmakers.
Induction melting furnace is mostly used as a melting
Metallization of sponge iron/HBI has an important
container where refining of steel melt by virtue of
factor in steelmaking, increasing metallization of
chemical reactions/slag making is restricted; due to
sponge iron/HBI decreased the energy consumption
various constraints particularly pertaining of physical
for melting of sponge iron/HBI in EAF (as shown
and chemical characteristics of refractory lining
in Figure 1)10. Sponge iron/HBI having lower
material. However, dilution of certain elements e.g.
metallization value has relatively higher unreduced iron
phosphorus, sulphur and carbon are possible with the
oxide content. Since FeO reduction is an endothermic
proper selection and mixing of charge materials. Sponge
reaction, hence extra energy is consumed. As a thumb
iron is the major constituent of the charge materials.
rule, loss of 1% of metallization of sponge iron/HBI
The quality of sponge iron/HBI is very important
consumes extra energy of 15 kWh/t of liquid steel11.
for steelmaking in IMF. Unless proper selection of
Electrode consumption also decreases due to fewer
sponge iron/HBI is done with respect to its chemical
electrode breakages, due to absence of heavy scrap
composition, quality of steel produce will be effect on
which is titled during melting and break the electrode.
their overall performance of the plant. Higher the total
As the gangue materials, present in the ore, remains iron content in sponge iron, lower will be gangue (i.e.
Fig 1: Metallization of sponge iron vs Energy Consumption in EAF.

SiO2, Al2O3 etc) content. Lower the total iron content furnace productivity and reduces both electrode and
(i.e. higher gangue content) will have adverse effects power consumption. Attaining the best melting results
on steelmaking: i) lower metallic yield, ii) higher slag also requires control of the rate at which sponge iron/
generation, iii) higher energy consumption, and iv) HBI is fed to the EAF. The feed rate is primarily
higher tap to tap time. Carbon in sponge iron/HBI gives dependent upon the effective power input but is also
rise to carbon boil during melting. Sponge iron/HBI has influenced by the sponge iron/HBI composition, bath
substantial FeO content. Carbon reduces this FeO (e.g. temperature, and thermal losses. The use of sponge
FeO + C = Fe + CO), make carbon boil and increased iron/HBI is not confined to only EAF as feed material.
Fe content in the bath resulting higher metallic yield. Further, charging of sponge iron/HBI in IMF shows
Carbon also deoxidizes the molten bath. Phosphorus drastic changes in the yield and furnace efficiency. A
and sulphur are injurious to steel, so phosphorus and major part of sponge iron/HBI is used as a substitute of
sulphur content in sponge iron/HBI should be as low as scrap in the EAF/IMF. Sponge iron/HBI derived from
possible ( 0.045-0.05% and 0.02-0.03% respectively). virgin iron units is a relatively pure material which
The advantages of sponge iron/HBI as a feed material dilutes contaminants in the scrap and improves the
can be summarized as follows13: steel quality.
1. Sponge iron/HBI has a known and uniform chemical REFERENCES
composition. 1. World Steel in Figures, 2019, World Steel
2. It has a uniform size and is capable of continuous Association.
charging. 2. https://www.metalary.com/scrap-metal-prices/
3. It has very low levels (0.02%) of residual elements 3. Alternate Methods of Ironmaking: S. K. Dutta
(like Cu, Sn, Ni, Cr, Mo), whereas scrap and pig iron and R. Sah, S. Chand & Co Ltd, New Delhi, April
contain 0.13-0.73% and 0.06% residual element, 2012.
respectively. 4. Midrex: 2018 World Direct Reduction Statistics,
4. It maintains low levels of sulphur. May 2019.
5. Unreduced iron oxide in sponge iron/HBI reacts 5. F. Mah, D. Lu, A. Hassan and F. Griscom: SEAISI,
vigorously with carbon (i.e., carbon boil) in molten 2009.
bath that improves heat transfer, slag metal mixing, 6. Basic Concept of Iron and Steel Making: S. K.
homogeneity, and low content of dissolved gases of
Dutta and Y. Chokshi, Springer.
the bath.
7. L. N. Goswami: JPC Bulletin on Iron & Steel,
6. It is capable of forming a protective cover of the arc
IX(5), May 2009, p 9.
by foamy slag in the EAF's bath.
8. R. Hunter: Direct From Midrex, 2nd Quarter, June
7. It has a potential of sensible heat recovery from
2018, p 4.
waste gases.
9. S. K. Dutta: JPC Bulletin on Iron & Steel, (in
8. Sponge iron/HBI has a predictable price structure
Press).
than scrap because sponge iron/HBI is a product and
scrap is a by-product. 10. P. Tatia: Paper presented at NMD-ATM of IIM
2014, Nov 2014, Pune, India.
SUMMARY
11. S. K. Dutta: JPC Bulletin on Iron & Steel, XIII(1),
With the high prices of steel scrap in the international
Jan 2013, p 61.
market, coupled with the difficulty in the importing
process for small-scale units, sponge iron/HBI has 12. R. B. Gupta: JPC Bulletin on Iron & Steel, IX(5),
become the most viable alternative to steel scrap. In May 2009, p 28.
view of shortage of steel scrap and high prices of scrap, 13. S. K. Dutta and R. Sah: Chapter on Direct Reduced
the secondary steel producers must depend on sponge Iron: Production, Encyclopedia of Iron, Steel, and
iron/HBI as the metallic feed material to produce Their Alloys, Taylor and Francis: New York, Mar
quality steel. Using sponge iron/HBI in EAF increases 2016; p 1082.
*********

TECHNICAL ARTICLE
Successful Production of Low, Medium & High Alloy Steels by Indian Induction
Furnace Units
Srikumar Chakraborty
Introduction capabilities suiting their equipment condition and

Steelmaking in induction furnace (IF) in India initially technological limitations, market requirements and
was done only to melt scrap for casting steel, and its competitive priorities. Performance improvement in
metallurgical function at that period was far below than case of high value product variety requires alignment of
that of the then electric arc furnace. As such, IF was used such parameters. A plant cannot successfully enter the
only for making steel grades with general metallurgical open market if the required operational capabilities are
quality requirements to manufacture small-sized steel below the standard. New investments must therefore
castings. Then, slowly stainless and mild steel melting be evaluated with respect to operational capability
was started to produce stainless steel from imported requirements for steel refining technology, revamping /
stainless steel scrap melting and domestic steel scrap in modification of existing process / units following from
the form of pencil ingots. However, for getting 100% any chosen strategy.
success in this melting process entrepreneurs, mostly Niche marketing can also be used as a proactive, or even
engaged in steel trading activities in the country, aggressive, strategy to enable a plant to outperform
installed small capacity induction furnaces ranging competitors in both profitability and growth. It has
from 500 kg to 1 tonne capacity, conducted experiments
been observed from different studies of experts that the
to establish standard process for melting of alloy steels
concept of the proactive niche market strategy employs
and teeming liquid steel to different size ingots for
a mix of five key activities : ● Focusing on the customers'
subsequent processing by forging and rolling. In 1991-
requirements and demand, ● Making the effort to
92, the Government license and control on steelmaking
become a preferred supplier early in the process, ●
and rolling was removed, good number of IFs were
installed with sponge iron used as partial substitute of Interacting with customers / dealers at multiple levels,
scrap to take the advantage of market location as well ● Extending the product offer adding pre and post sales
as inputs. services, ● Focusing on the development of “adjacent”
products, markets, and application areas.
The capability to produce the quality and quantity
of alloy and special steels currently in demand is IF units have developed technical expertise and process
necessary for most of the mini steel plants using standard in making alloy steels for structural applications
induction furnace. However, it is particularly important subjected to stresses in machine parts, bearing steels,
for niche producers of alloy steels since their customers tool and die steels, magnetic alloys, stainless and heat-
often order small quantities of high value products resisting steels. Slowly, entrepreneurs started installing
at infrequent intervals. Accordingly IF units have bigger size furnaces first in North India and then in
become specialised for strategically aiming towards other states. By 1985-86, the technology of making
production of high-end special grades. Competitors mild steel and alloy steel by IF route was mastered
among the IFs gradually are moving into areas that by Indian steelmakers. Since then, IF manufacturers
were once part of the special steel products subject to saw the potential demand in the market and started
price competition. Current market leaders are therefore manufacturing bigger furnaces. From 1988-89, bigger
continuously reducing cost, improving product quality furnaces mostly in the range of 3-10 tonne were
and developing new attractive products with improved installed when good quality scrap was used as charge.
properties. With the continuous improvement of operating practice
IF units should maintain production and their operation in IF, it was possible to implement moderate oxidation
strategy dynamically keeping in mind production boiling in the melting process enhancing metallurgical
function during melting. This opened up challenges
Ex Senior Officer, Alloy Steels Plant , SAIL to the entrepreneurs going for high-quality low and

medium alloy steels, high alloy steels, ultra-low carbon 5. Eutectoid concentration : Ti, Mo,W, Si, Cr, Ni lower
stainless steel, and even various super alloys. the eutectoid concentration of carbon.
Alloy Steels Classification 6. Corrosion Resistance : Cr, Al, Si form protective
A. Characteristics : In Alloy Steels the pearlite oxide layers on the surface of steel protecting
structure requires
1. Austeniteless carbon than: plain
Stabiliser Ni, Mn,CarbonCo Steels.
and Cu increasethe metal from further
the temperature range deterioration
in which in certain
Alloying elementsaustenitechange
exists.the temperatures at which environments. Cr improves quenchability, and
2. Ferrite
the structural changes Stabiliser : Cr, W,
take place Al and Si helpprevents
Mo, V,different
requiring softening
lower carbon during
solubility tempering by forming
in austenite,
heat treatments. resulting
Added in an increase
alloying in the achieve
elements secondary
amount of carbides carbides,
in the suppresses the
steel decreasing graphitisation by
properties liketemperature range in hardenability,
increased strength, which austenite exists.
impact refining carbide particles. This improves corrosion
as well as3.special
Carbide former :like
properties, Many minor elements
corrosion resistanceincluding Cr, W,and
resistance Mo,anti-abrasion
Ti, Nb and resistance.
Zr form
or extreme high temperature applications. Use of Alloy B. Classification : Alloy steels aretool
strong carbides increasing hardness and strength, and used to make different classified as Low,
steels.
Steels find applications mainly in automobile industry Medium and High depending on the alloy contents.
4. Graphitisers
and machinery parts. : Si, Ni, Co and Al can decrease the stability of carbides in steel,
Usually Low alloy steels have total alloying elements
promoting their breakdown and the formation of free graphite.
Where carbon steel has limitation, alloy steel can be < 5 % . The significant advantages of low alloy steels
5. Eutectoid concentration : Ti, Mo,W, Si, Cr, Ni lower the eutectoid concentration of
used in process and application areas. Low alloy steel over mild steels are : yield strength, high temperature
carbon.
are used at 6. high-temperature
Corrosion Resistance services
: Cr, such
Al, Siasformheater properties,
protective creep on
oxide layers strength,
the surface oxidation
of steelresistance, low
tubes, boiler protecting
tubes, low-temperature services such as temperature ductility,
the metal from further deterioration in certain environments. Cr improves weldable, but some grades need
cryogenic applications, Very high presser services such pre and post
quenchability, and prevents softening during tempering by forming secondary weld heat treatment to avoid cracking.
as steam heater, construction of aircrafts and
carbides, suppresses graphitisation by refining heavy Manycarbide
low alloy steels are
particles. Thisnormalised
improves and tempered,
vehicles for corrosion
crank shafts,
resistancecamshafts and propeller
and anti-abrasion but increasing tendency is towards hardening and
resistance.
shafts, etc. The low and medium alloy steels which are tempering. Treatment for Low and Medium Alloy Steel
important in process plants
B. Classification are steels
: Alloy mainlyarehaving carbon
classified as Low, Mediumareand
products High same,
almost depending on theon composition
depending
less than
alloy0.2 % and Usually
contents. total alloying
Low alloyelements ( Ni,total
steels have Cr, alloying elements < 5 % . The
( Classification shown in flow diagram ) . significant
Mo, V,advantages
B, W, or Cuof) <low 12 %.alloy steels over mild steels are : yield strength, high (HSLA)
temperature
High-strength low-alloy steels, or micro-
properties, creep strength, oxidation resistance, low temperature
Different alloying elements affect the properties of alloyed steels, are designed to provide ductility, weldable, but some better mechanical
steel ingrades needways,
different pre and
e.g. post weld heat treatment to avoid cracking. Many low alloy steels are
properties and / or greater resistance to atmospheric
normalised
1. Austenite and tempered,
Stabiliser : Ni, Mn, but Co increasing
and Cu increase tendency is towards hardening and tempering.
corrosion than conventional carbon steels in normal
Treatment for Low and Medium
the temperature range in which austenite exists. Alloy Steel products are almost same, depending on
composition ( Classification shown in flow diagram )condition. . It is different from other low-alloy grades
2. Ferrite Stabiliser : Cr, W, Mo, V, Al and Si help in that each type has been created to meet specific
lower carbon solubility
High-strength low-alloy in austenite,
(HSLA) steels,resulting in mechanical
or micro-alloyed requirements
steels, are designed rather than a given chemical
to provide
an increase in the amount of carbides in the steel composition.
better mechanical properties and / or greater resistance to atmospheric corrosion than HSLA applications include warships,
decreasing the temperature range in which austenite
conventional carbon steels in normal condition. It is structural steel,other
different from and others
low-alloy known for in
grades their strength.
exists.
that each type has been created to meet specific mechanical The carbonrequirements
content rather
in HSLA thansteels
a given may range from
chemical
3. Carbide formercomposition.
: Many minor HSLAelements
applications include0.05
including warships, structural steel, and others
% to 0.25 % and manganese content up to 2.0 %
Cr, known
W, Mo, forTi,
theirNb
strength.
and Zr form strong carbides in order to provide adequate deep drawing and welding
increasing
The carbonhardness
content and in strength,
HSLA steels and may
usedrange
to make properties.
from 0.05 % to 0.25 Small
% and quantities
manganese of Cr, Ni, Mo, Cu, N, V,
content
different tool steels. Nb, Zr are
up to 2.0 % in order to provide adequate deep drawing and welding properties. Small also added in various combination so as
4. Graphitisers
quantities of: Si,Cr, Ni,
Ni, Mo,Co Cu,and N, AlV,can Zr are alsotoadded
Nb,decrease improve different
in various properties.
combination so asFor to shape control
the improve
stability different
of carbides in steel,
properties. Forpromoting
shape control their of of sulphide
sulphide inclusions,
inclusions, smallsmall additions
additions of of calcium,
calcium, and
breakdown zirconium, or rareof
the formation earth
freeelements
graphite.are added.zirconium, or rare earth elements are added.
Steel
Low Alloy∑AE <5% Medium Alloy∑AE <10% High Alloy∑ AE≥10%
With Low With Med. With High Tool Stainless

Carbon Carbon Carbon Steel Steel

Common HSLA grades for Structural Applications
Grade AISI C Mn Others UTS MPa YS MPa % El
440 0.28 1.35 Cu 0.20min, Si 0.30 435 290 21
633Gr E 0.22 1.35 Cu 0.30min, Si 0.30, N 0.08, Nb 0.03 520 380 23
655Gr I 0.18 1.60 Si 0.60, V 0.10, Al 0.20, N 0.015 655 552 15
Cr-Mo Steel Cr-Mo-Ni Steel Cr-Mo-Ni-Cu Steel Ni-Cr-Mo-V Forged Parts

Low Alloy Steel Products Produced from IF route
Total alloying elements in Medium Alloy and High to deposit a slag layer on the furnace refractory at or
Alloy steels are < 10 %, and ≥ 10 % respectively. just below the liquid level in the crucible restricting
Stainless steel is high-alloy steel which contains at least the quantity of power drawn by the furnace. Further,
12 % Cr and divided into three basic types : martensitic internal diameter of the furnace gradually gets reduced,
(contains least amount of chromium, and known for making charging more difficult and protracted. The
high hardenability, mainly used for cutlery and in many energy efficiency gets reduced in this condition. IF units
engineering industries , ferritic (contains mainly 12 to need sponge iron and good quality scrap as furnace
27 % chromium and are suitable for use in automobiles
charge. Import of steel scrap is becoming scarce due to
and industrial equipment), and austenitic (contains high
high price and sluggish steel market.
levels of nickel, chromium, manganese, molybdenum,
nitrogen etc. having high corrosion resistance, mainly The steel industry recycles three types of scrap.
used to store corrosive liquids and for applications in Internally generated scrap in plant has significantly
mining, chemical, or pharmacy etc.). reduced to about 20 - 25 % after introducing continuous
Steel Production in IF : The main raw materials for casting technology and various yield improvement
steelmaking in induction furnace are different forms programs. The post-consumer scrap is generated when
of steel scrap, pig iron, sponge iron and ferro-alloys. industrial and consumer steel products (e.g. automobile,
While melting the charge, contaminations in scrap tend appliance, building, bridge, ship, can, railroad car, etc.)
IF Melting &
Furnace Charging Refining
Carbon Steel
(Un-alloyed)
Mo- Steel Cr Steel Cr-Mo Steel Ni-Cr-Mo

Steel
Low / Med / High

Alloy Steel
The steel industry recycles three types of scrap. Internally generated scrap in plant has
significantly reduced to about 20 - 25 % after introducing continuous casting technology and
Vol.23 No. 7 JULY
various yield 2020 13
improvement programs. The post-consumer scrap is generatedIIM METAL
when NEWS
industrial
and consumer steel products (e.g. automobile, appliance, building, bridge, ship, can, railroad
car, etc.) have served and crossed their useful life. Old or post-consumer scrap accounts for
approximately about 45 % of total scrap. However, recycled scrap, thus generated, needs to
have served and crossed their useful life. Old or post- – clean, known chemical composition, suitable size /
consumer scrap accounts for approximately about 45 % shape, and properly calculated. Ferro-alloy requirement
of total scrap. However, recycled scrap, thus generated, for the specific grade to be produced has to be worked
needs to be protected against contamination from other out considering any loss, recovery and yield.
materials for producing clean steel. Though recycled
Developments in refining of liquid steel have resulted
scarp is cheaper, ingress of residual impurity elements
in alloy steel grades with very low level of impurities.
during steelmaking is a distinct possibility. The oxygen
In recent years, cleaner steels against the global demand
present in the sponge iron in the form of FeO reacts
vigorously with carbon in the liquid bath and improves mainly in automobile, aero-space, different engineering
heat transfer, slag metal contact and homogeneity of and manufacturing industries have been developed and
the bath. It is apparent that sponge iron having different commercialised. Indian IF producers are augmenting
degrees of metallisation can be used in the process. In secondary refining technologies, and taking necessary
IF steelmaking (shown in the process flow diagram measures to make cleaner steels with low non-metallic
below), the requirements for the charge are stringent inclusions.
Low Alloy Steel with Low Carbon

Composition : Carbon Less than ~ 0.25% (0.30% also considered)
Microstructure → Ferrite and Pearlite
Properties→ Relatively Soft , Possesses good Ductility and Toughness.
Other features → Machinable, Weldable. Low Carbon Steels → Not Responsive to Heat Treatment.
Application : Auto body, Auto-component, Engineering Industries, Structural Shapes etc.
High Strength Low and Med Alloy Steels → Upto 10 % Alloying Elements e.g. Mn, Cr, Ni, Mo, V, Cu → Steel
can be Strengthened by Heat Treatment.
Steel
Non Alloy Steel Alloy Steel

( Plain Carbon )
Low Alloy Cr-Mo, Cr-Mo-Ni,
Low C Steel ∑AE < 5% Si-Mn etc.
Med Alloy Cr-Mo

l Mild Steel 5%≤ ∑AE <10%
Ni-Cr-Mo
Medium
Carbon Steel Ni-Cr-Mo-V
High Carbon Cr-Ni -Stainless

Steel High Alloy
∑ AE ≥ 10%
Hadfield Mn
Ni-Maraging
Developments in refining of liquid steel have resulted in alloy steel grades with very low
level of impurities. In recent years, cleaner steels against the global demand mainly in
IIM METAL
automobile, NEWS different engineering and
aero-space, Vol.23 have
14 manufacturing industries No. 7 been
JULY 2020
developed and commercialised. Indian IF producers are augmenting secondary refining
technologies, and taking necessary measures to make cleaner steels with low non-metallic
inclusions.
Bath agitation in IF helps to float impurities at the top bearing low and medium alloy steels, however, show
and better mixing of alloying elements in liquid steel. the tendency of flaking because Ni is known to act as
Removal of sulphur is typically done in a ladle refining hydrogen carrier.
furnace (LRF) which is a separate vessel in which the Due to the longer time required for solidification
molten steel is transferred prior to pouring. The various of liquid steel in larger mould , higher degree of
types of LRF have the capability to stir and reheat the segregation is found, as compared to smaller ingots.
molten steel. Dissolved gases H and N are removed This is a result of different solubility of alloying
from liquid steel by VD and VAD. AOD is typically
elements in liquid and solid phases at the equilibrium
used for stainless steel production to economically
temperature. Macro segregation refers to differences in
decarburise the bath using controlled blowing of argon
the chemical composition over a large scale. Positive
and oxygen. Carbon dioxide and monoxide formed by
segregation refers to enrichment in alloying elements,
reaction with the oxygen are swept away by the argon
while negative enrichment refers to relative depletion
before equilibrium is established.
of alloying elements. Segregation results in variation of
Ni and Cr, especially when present together, can not only chemical composition, but also grain structure,
promote segregation of metalloid elements such
distribution of inclusions, and other defects such as
as antimony, phosphorus, tin, and arsenic to prior
porosity and shrinkage cavities.
austenite grain boundaries (Mulford, McMahon,
Pope, & Feng, 1976a). This is believed to be the root Prior to vacuum degassing, forgings are often cooled
cause of temper embrittlement (Davis, 1990). Effect in furnace, under an insulated hood or in a refractory
of nickel on hydrogen trapping can be divided into insulating medium to prevent flake formation. This slow
(i) direct effects, due to the presence of Ni in solid cooling is then followed by an extended subcritical heat
solution in the ferrite phase, or (ii) indirect effects, due treatment (sometimes after re-austenitising to refine the
to the effect of nickel in refining microstructure. Nickel grain structure). For high-hardenability alloy steels,
addition improves strength, low temperature fracture this practice is still used to prevent flaking. Controlled
toughness, and hardenability with limited impact on cooling also reduces hardness and internal stresses
CE. No other alloying element improves strength and (which also contribute to flaking). Since flaking is a
toughness simultaneously without a significant effect delayed process, it is desirable to perform special heat
on weldability. In combination with Cr and Mo, Ni treatments promptly after hot working, sometimes
is perhaps the most important alloying element. Ni without allowing cooling to room temperature.

Since inclusions act also as stress raiser, the control fatigue strength and impact toughness) and an improved
of the formation of non-metallic inclusions and the corrosion resistance. IF units should take all need-
identification of their constituent phases, classification based actions and measures, already known to them,
are of extreme importance. These are normally under their control for reduction of power consumption
determined according to international standards during melting improving process efficiency. Still,
ASTM E45.(photographs of inclusions A. Sulphide, B. external support has to be given to reduce the energy
Alumina, C. Silicate, D. Globular Oxide shown above) charge. The good teeming practice is to be ensured for
Conclusion : Since induction furnace steel making achieving sound, defect free ingots. Marketing wing
is simply a melting process, it needs good quality should try to provide higher contribution supporting
scrap/ scrap substitute, ferro-alloys with known orders as heat lot size.
composition to make steel grades with low S , P and
Many a times it has been observed that defects /
other impurities. Units are to be given support/help for
inferior properties are observed at forging, rolling
getting imported good quality scrap. For many highly
or even heat treatment stages, but finally wrongly
stressed engineering applications like bearings, shaft,
gears etc. for automobile, aero-space industry and considered as steel defects originating at melt shop. It is
many engineering industries, contaminated steel parts recommended that, induction furnace steel making units
from inclusions/ impurities, un-wanted residuals can and downstream processing units should work together
lead to devastating outcomes at any moment. Such as a team adopting proper performance improvement
critical components / parts should be as homogeneous and integration systems, monitoring the activities as
as possible and free from inclusions, porosity and other a total process, integrating supply chain in utilising
flaws which are vital to affect performance adversely resources getting timely support from management.
for such products of low alloy, medium alloy steel The areas of product quality and customer satisfaction
grades. have to be given top most priority maintaining lasting
To become globally competitive, Indian induction relationships with customers based on trust and mutual
furnace units must concentrate on various techniques of benefit.
refining steel including Ca-Si treatment responding to Reference : AIIFA, AISI, ASTM Standard, Works of
the current and future market demands of steel having Mulford, McMahon, Pope, & Feng, 1976a & Davis,
significantly improved mechanical properties (e.g., 1990.
*********
EDITORS CORRESPONDENTS
Dr Manojit Dutta Sri S K Basu (Kolkata)
Prof J Dutta Majumdar Dr Chiradeep Ghosh (Jamshedpur)
Dr R Raghavendra Bhat Sri Rishabh Shukla (Pune)
Dr N Eswara Prasad Sri N K Kakkar (Delhi)
Prof Sudhanshu Shekhar Singh Sri M N V Viswanath (Hyderabad)
Dr Mithun Palit
ADVERTISERS’ INDEX
Name of the Organizations Page No.
Rashtriya Ispat Nigam Limited Front Cover
Chennai Metco Pvt Ltd 2nd Cover
Bharat Forge Ltd 3rd Cover

RECENT DEVELOPMENTS
Optomec advancement enables additive Digitalization of Additive Manufacturing (IDAM)

manufacturing of complex aluminum alloy parts project reaches the halfway stage.
Optomec, Albuquerque, N.M., announces an The IDAM project was set up in 2019, with twelve
advancement in capability for the company’s LENS industrial and academic partners looking to address
directed energy deposition systems relative to additive the limitations of powder bed fusion technologies and
manufacturing and repair of aluminum alloys. This enhance its suitability for serial production application
innovation can be used to deposit any aluminum in markets such as automotive. Partly funded by The
alloy, including those recently developed specifically German Federal Ministry of Education and Research
for improved properties with additive manufacturing. (BMBF), the $23 million initiative aims to build two
The photo shows a LENS directed energy deposition pilot production lines powered by the Internet of
system printing aluminum powder onto an aluminum Things and automation technologies, and designed for
substrate. the additive manufacturing of automotive components.
This development for the Optomec directed energy GKN Powder Metallurgy is set to host one of these
deposition (DED) process opens the transportation production lines at its Bonn facility, with BMW’s
and aerospace industries to AM and repair of complex Munich center home to the other, and has recently
aluminum alloy parts using powder-based DED. begun working with DP 600 steel on its recently
Additionally, the use of Optomec’s LENS simultaneous required EOS M300-4 metal 3D printer. The material
5-axis system enables the processing of aluminum is a dual-phase steel that can be tuned by suitable
alloy parts with complex geometries without the need heat treatment methods. It features an elongation rate
for support structures. Deposition of aluminum alloys of 22% with heat treatment, and 13% without, while
in a controlled-atmosphere glovebox with very low demonstrating a tensile strength of 700 MPa with heat
levels of oxygen and moisture ensures achievement of treatment, and 950 MPa as-built.
components with superior mechanical properties. GKN partners include Volkmann GmbH, Fraunhofer
According to David Otazu, LENS Applications Institute for Laser Technology ILT, and Technical
Engineer, “Our engineers have developed process University of Munich. The group believes the material
parameters for aluminum alloys to provide an excellent will be suitable for a number of structural applications
surface finish, high deposition rates, and a density of in the automotive sector and elsewhere, with further
~99.9%.” With this advancement, Optomec LENS potential for cost-per-part reductions using water-
systems can successfully process all common materials atomized powders. The company is also testing out
used for AM, including steels, titanium, nickel, copper, multi-laser exposure strategies on the M300-4 to in a
and now, aluminum. bid to expand its productivity.
Source: ASM International Source: ASM International
GKN Powder Metallurgy validates dual-phase steel Instron edge-detection technology measures sheet
powder for powder bed fusion AM metal strain faster and more accurately
GKN Powder Metallurgy, Bonn, is validating the use of Instron, Norwood, Mass., introduces AverEdge32, its
DP 600 dual-phase steel on the EOS M300-4 additive latest innovation for measuring transverse sheet metal
manufacturing platform as the Industrialization and strain with high accuracy. This is an optional advanced

feature of the AVE 2 advanced video extensometer that the launch of Aheadd, high-performance aluminum
is based on edge-detection technology that enables powders that exceed industry standards for additive
simultaneous measurement of transverse strain at manufacturing productivity and component properties.
32 locations along the sheet metal specimen gauge Constellium’s new powders are designed and
length. It then averages them in real time, resulting in a tailored based on customer needs for a wide range of
smooth and repeatable transverse strain value, which is applications, including aerospace, motorsports, and
essential to calculating the plastic strain ratio (r-value) defense industries.
of sheet metal. The laser powder bed process involves rapid
With the ever-increasing importance of vehicle solidification, which can be leveraged to design
lightweighting, formability testing of sheet metals, entirely new aluminum alloys, bringing properties
especially aluminum and high-strength steel, requires unachievable with conventional alloys. Experts at
accurate and repeatable transverse strain measurement. C-TEC (Constellium’s R&D center) have developed
This is particularly important for calculating the r-value, Aheadd, a new generation of high-performance
which can be greatly impacted by small errors in strain. aluminum powders for additive manufacturing.
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inconsistent transverse strain data when measured at a printing productivity and simplified post-processing.
single gauge width. AverEdge32 solves this dilemma Constellium is part of the Aeroprint initiative, an
and has shown up to 20x reduction in variability, ambitious collaborative R&D project supported by
resulting in r-value results with sub-5 % variance, Dassault Aviation and the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes
similar to other material properties such as yield region. The project aims to develop, qualify, and
strength. implement in 2020 an industrial pilot line for the
This capability can be easily added to any existing additive manufacturing of complex metal parts for
AVE 2 without affecting any other existing capabilities, aerospace.
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better expectations with customers, which improves for the development and production of innovative
confidence in the product and benefits the reputations of components based on the new Constellium powders.
both companies. Improved repeatability also eliminates Source: ASM International
the need to retest specimens, which also means reduced
Inductotherm heavy steel shell furnaces are more
test times, and elimination of production stops, which
efficient than frame-based designs
allows product to ship on time and ultimately reduces
cost.
Source: ASM International
Constellium launches new aluminum powder for
aerospace additive manufacturing
Inductotherm Corp., Rancocas, N.J., offers heavy steel

shell furnaces, which combine the exceptional strength
Constellium SE, Paris, announces the expansion of of a rugged steel shell with easy accessibility, making
its portfolio of advanced aluminum solutions with them ideal for melting a wide range of metals. According

to the company, these are the most durable furnaces annealing process that was carried out in a furnace after
on the market today, as well as more efficient, more cold spray.
productive, and easier to maintain than competitive The power output of the IR device was set to the
furnaces. Heavy steel shell furnaces are designed to be maximum level of 220 W/cm2, which was focused over
stronger than frame-based designs. They are ideal for a 10-mm diameter outlet area. The number of passes
melting all metals, including silicon. and the traverse speed of the heat treatment process
They are also significantly quieter, thanks to the were varied in order to optimize the effect of the heat
solid steel shell’s sound-deadening characteristics. treatment. The mechanical properties of the coating
For installations requiring even quieter performance, were tested by tensile testing of dog-bone samples and
sound-absorbent insulation can be added inside by pull off tests. Residual stresses were evaluated using
the shell. Large access panels on every furnace are strain measurement changes, before cold spray and
constructed from heavy steel to protect the coil during after heat treatment. It was found that the rapid IR heat
furnace operation. treatment process delivered advantages with regard to
The furnaces can be used with our back-slagging mechanical properties when compared to the untreated
state. (Photo shows SEM image of fracture surface of
feature, push-out lining systems, weigh frames, pit
cold-sprayed aluminum 6061.)
guards, and more. They can be retrofitted with a variety
Source : ASM International
of fume collectors and hoods. This includes our latest
Vortex extraction hood, which can help companies Engineers study bond strength of plasma-sprayed
comply with the strictest air pollution requirements. aluminum on magnesium composite
Heavy Steel Shell Furnaces are also available with an
optional wide-bodied design which have a significantly
larger bath diameter and furnace opening and can
be ideal depending on your application. They offer
additional benefits such as lower installation costs,
lower scrap costs and better access to slag.
Source: ASM International
IR heat treatment improves ductility and bond
strength of cold-spray aluminum coatings
Engineers from Technische Universität Dresden

and the Fraunhofer Institute for Materials and Beam
Technology IWS presented a report on magnesium
matrix composites coated with thermal-sprayed
aluminum at the ASM International ITSC 2019
conference in Japan. Metal matrix composites,
especially those based on a magnesium matrix, have
high specific strength and stiffness, which makes them
ideal candidates for lightweight applications. With a
Researchers from Trinity College Dublin reported on density of only 1.8 g/cm3, they compete with carbon
the results of mechanical testing of Al 6061 cold spray fibre reinforced plastics, but offer higher thermal
coatings before and after a rapid heat treatment with a stability.
novel focused IR device, at the ITSC 2019 conference Compared with unreinforced metals, they have overall
sponsored by the Thermal Spray Society of ASM improved mechanical properties, in particular fatigue.
International. Unfortunately, their high chemical reactivity leads to
The focused IR device was used to heat treat the cold low corrosion resistance, which makes coating and
spray coatings in-process, with the aim of improving protection against environmental impacts absolutely
ductility, increasing substrate/coating bond strength, mandatory. Thermal spray offers a wide range of coating
and reducing residual stresses. The treated samples possibilities that can act not only as an anticorrosive
were compared to samples subjected to a controlled barrier, but also as an interface layer for later

integration in aluminum cast processes. Aluminum- composition with temperature (or analogous stimuli)
based coatings (Al99 and AlSi12) were applied to for applications ranging from sensing to catalysis.
carbon fiber reinforced magnesium specimens by “This is not unique to these materials,” says Martin
atmospheric plasma spray and high velocity oxyfuel Thuo, an Iowa State assistant professor of materials
spray. The coatings were characterized in terms of science and engineering. “This is a behaviour of metals
their microstructure and bond/shear-strength. In in general. Other metals subject to the same treatment
addition, hybrid-casting experiments were carried out should do this. This is a universal property of metals.”
to determine the interface behavior. Source : ASM International
Source : ASM International
Rolled Alloys develops best practices for welding
Iowa State engineers develop liquid metal alloy that heat-resistant stainless steel / nickel alloys
roughens surface when heated
Marc Glasser of Rolled Alloys, Temperance, Mich.,

presented a discussion of techniques for welding
Engineers at Iowa State University, Ames, have reported stainless steels and nickel-base alloys at the ASM
that they have developed a way for liquid metal and International Heat Treat 2019 conference in Detroit.
potentially solid metal to change its surface structure The ability to make weld repairs is often overlooked
in response to heat. They found that treating particles in the selection of heat-resistant alloys. However,
of certain liquid metal alloys with heat causes them to wrought alloys have a distinct advantage in this area,
roughen their surfaces with tiny spheres or nanowires. because wrought alloys can be weld repaired even after
The process starts with a liquid metal alloy of gallium, extensive use. Components that exhibit creep in the
indium, and tin, synthesized into particles covered hottest areas can be easily checked for functionality
with a smooth oxide shell that has been chemically with a magnet. Where necessary, the damaged area can
stabilized. As the particles are heated, the oxide surface be removed, and a new fabricated section or a patch can
thickens and stiffens and begins to behave more like be welded into place, rather than completely replacing
a solid. Eventually the surface breaks, allowing the an entire fabrication.
liquid metal inside to come to the surface. Procedures for welding heat-resistant alloys are
The most reactive, gallium, breaks through first. increasingly well documented. By understanding how
More heat brings indium to the surface. The highest both heat-resistant stainless steels and nickel alloys
temperature of about 1600°F brings out florets of tin. differ from carbon steels, good welding practices
This movement from the under-layer to the surface can be identified. Furthermore, tools are available to
allows a liquid metal particle to continuously invert its aid welders and maintenance workers in the proper
composition under thermal stimuli. The metal particles welding consumables, shielding gases, and operating
respond to a very controlled environment : time, parameters needed to make a proper weld. The work
temperature and oxygen levels are carefully controlled. covers factors to consider for obtaining the best welds
That allows engineers to predict and program the exact for both heat-resistant austenitic stainless steels and
surface texture of the particles. The technology could nickel-base alloys; illustrated tools available to guide
be used to fine-tune a metal’s function as a catalyst, or welders and engineers in determining the best alloys
its ability to absorb compounds. and consumables; and discussed the best practices for
The technology could inspire design of ‘smart’ alloy welding of these alloys.
systems that evolve the surface patterns and their Source : ASM International

NEWS UPDATE
JSW Steel cuts capex plans by 45 % to Rs 9,000 the national average of 76 kg, compared with the world
crore for FY21 average of 225 kg.
Concerned over uncertain market conditions, JSW The 2017 steel policy says that, as the ground is laid for
Steel has decided to reduce its capex target for 2020- the development of a “globally competitive industry,”
21 by about 45 % to Rs 9,000 crore against its earlier the Indian per capita steel use will take a leap to 160
plan of spending Rs 16,340 crore. This is about 12 kg by 2030. What is left unsaid is how much of the
% lower compared to the company's Rs 10,200-crore targeted steel production of 230 MT on a capacity base
spend during 2019-20. In the company's annual report, of 300 MT in a decade will be consumed in rural India.
JSW Steel CMD Sajjan Jindal said the company has Who could have thought before the Covid pandemic
undertaken a detailed exercise to prioritise all planned that rural India would provide some succour to the
and discretionary spends. The objective is to conserve steel industry, which was allowed to function through
liquidity, ensure that strategic projects which are in the long lockdown but had to keep capacity use at a
advanced stages of completion are commissioned on historical low as demand disappeared. In the first
priority basis, he said. Due to the lockdown and its full month of the lockdown in April when Tata Steel,
subsequent extensions, project activity at various sites the country’s largest steelmaker on its acquisition of
were severely constrained by the non-availability of Bhusan Steel and Usha Martin long products mill, ran
required manpower and material. its blast furnaces at around 50 % capacity, it fell back
On the market conditions, the company said the world on exports for over 80 % of production and for the
steel association has also lowered its forecast for steel balance on the rural market.
demand for calendar year 2020. The global demand is T V Narendran, CEO and MD of Tata Steel, says:
expected to contract by 6.4 per cent to 1,654 million “Domestic demand during the lockdown and its
tonne due to COVID impact. progressive easing emerged from rural India, which
Out of the Rs 9,000 crore capex, the company would benefited from a good monsoon in 2019 leading to
utilise Rs 800 crore to make the new mines operational record food grain production.” That this community is
at the earliest in 2020. The investment will be made to engaged in using the extra money with them in building
develop infrastructure facilities and optimise logistics houses and grain storehouses is evident by demand
cost of transporting iron ore from mines to steel generation for steel and cement during the pandemic.
manufacturing units. This will significantly strengthen This year, too, the country is having a normal, well
the company's ability to preserve margins. distributed monsoon encouraging farmers to bring in
JSW Steel said Dolvi Works is expanding the capacity extra land under kharif crops. So expect good rural
steel demand to last till the middle of 2021, assuming
from 5 to 10 MTPA along with a captive power plant
rabi cultivation will be plentiful too.
and coke oven plant. The company is also expecting to
commission an 8 MTPA pellet plant and wire rod mill at Steel in the form of pipes and hardware will be required
its Vijaynagar facility by mid of the current fiscal. The in growing quantities to provide piped water connection
downstream modernisation and capacity enhancement to every rural household under Jal Jeevan Mission by
projects in Vasind and Tarapur and colour coating plant 2024. Moreover, all steel-based items linked to the
at Kalmeshwar are expected to be commissioned in the rural economy are seeing their consumption grow.
second half of FY 2020-21. “In the automotive sector, tractor sales are reasonably
The Economic Times good and motorcycles are doing better than scooters.
The reason being their rural connection. According to
Covid-19 casts a new light on steel rating agency Crisil, a good monsoon has proved to be a
That rural India, where two-thirds of the population mitigator of the coronavirus impact on tractor sales. Of
live and which has a share of 46 % of national income, its ~ Rs.82,125 crore turnover, Tata Steel earns around
is a potential big market for steel has always been 20 % revenue by selling roofing materials, reinforcing
known. But marketing lethargy and the absence of steel for individual house builders and farm equipment
rural market-specific product development have kept in the rural market.
the rural per capita consumption of steel at a fraction of JSW Steel Chairman Sajjan Jindal says in the same

vein: “The only way to increase steel demand is to Chinese 2020 demand to rise barely 1 % to 916.5 MT
move into people’s households. Steel mills are required and demand next year to remain static. So as the year
to promote use of steel in furniture and household advances, China is likely to have surpluses that must
goods and not just stay focussed on high profile sectors be exported. As in the past, India, where multiple local
such as automobile.” Popularising steel products the taxes constituting 12 % of production costs rob Indian
way Jindal has recommended will lead to substitution steel of “competitiveness before it leaves the plant,”
of wood by steel, which is recyclable, in the making will be a natural export target for China. Oommen
of furniture, doors and windows for use in urban, semi says in the circumstances, introduction of the border
urban centres. adjustment tax will be relief to Indian steel.
As more such products are developed by major Business Standard
steelmakers using their technical and designing skills, Tata Steel sales fall to 5.28 MT in Apr-Jun quarter ;
benefits will accrue to medium and small enterprises output down 28.49 %
who will be assigned to make them. Introduction of
value-added products for use by ultimate consumers Tata Steel Ltd have informed its consolidated sales
will to some extent insulate steel from business fell 22.8 % to 5.28 MT during April-June quarter 2020
cyclicality. Fortunes of steel will, however, continue to as compared to consolidated sales of 6.84 MT in the
be decided by the performance of the broader economy. year-ago period, as the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted
Hopefully, rural market among all steel-consuming operations. The consolidated production during the
sectors alone standing out in a situation of near total quarter also fell 28.49 % to 5.52 MT from 7.72 MT
demand destruction in April and May will henceforward in the first quarter of 2019-20. In the just concluded
lead steelmakers to aggressively promote the metal use quarter, Tata Steel’s India sales were at 2.92 MT,
beyond traditional consumption points. down from 3.96 MT in the year-ago period, while the
production volume fell to 2.99 MT from 4.5 MT.
Job losses caused by the Covid-19 outbreak forced
nearly 30 million migrant workers constituting a fifth The company’s sales in Europe fell to 1.94 MT from
of urban labour force to return home braving all odds. 2.26 MT in the year-ago period, while production fell
There is welcome realisation in the government that to 2.14 MT from 2.65 MT. Tata Steel South East Asia
the only way to lure a good number of them to return registered sales of 0.42 MT compared to 0.62 MT in
to cities to give a leg up to economic activity will be first quarter of 2019-20, while the output was at 0.39
to give them inexpensive rental dwellings. At the same MT, as against 0.57 MT in the same quarter a year ago.
time, for the benefit of those who will not risk going The overall production and sales volumes in first
back to cities, the government is to implement a series quarter of 2020-21 were lower as the outbreak of
of rural infrastructure projects, including housing for COVID-19 and ensuing mobility restrictions severally
the poor. All that will translate into demand generation impacted industrial activity and consumer sentiment
for construction steel. across all geographies. In India, capacity utilisation
Reminding that as much as two-thirds of steel demand of their upstream facilities was adjusted to about 50
originates in infrastructure and construction work, % level in April while downstream units were closed,
Dilip Oommen, CEO of Arcelormittal Nippon Steel the company said. With the phased opening of the
India, says not only does steel need more state-funded economy, the utilisation levels have been ramped up
infrastructure projects, but the industry also requires gradually to around 80 % level by end of June, adding
“the government making payments on time, even that downstream facilities have also been restarted and
upfront to expedite work. Backlog of unpaid bills are being ramped up progressively. To counter the low
contributes to the freezing of unfinished projects.” demand in the Indian markets in April and May, export
As the pandemic has robbed the industry of demand, was ramped up significantly by tapping new markets
Oommen wants steel to be made the material of choice and improving the supply chain capability. Export will
in all possible areas on grounds of “safety, durability constitute around 50 % of total sales volume in the first
and life cycle cost.” quarter of 2020-21. Sales improved significantly in
China has this year been a major destination for Indian June as economic activity resumed in India. With the
steel exports. But that has not stopped Oommen from continued opening of the economy and the improvement
worrying about the “enduring threat posed by Chinese in domestic demand, the proportion of domestic sales
state-subsidised steel imports.” His concern is not to will increase from second quarter, the company added.
be taken lightly. World Steel Association has forecast Financial Express

TRL Krosaki creates a benchmark in Torpedo Ladle transferred by ArcelorMittal as part of the resolution
Performance at SAIL Rourkela Steel Plant plan and kept the amount in an escrow account.
TRL Krosaki Refractories Limited created a benchmark It had challenged the NCLT order at the appellate
in Torpedo Ladle Performance by achieving the tribunal in Delhi soon after the March order but hearing
highest ever life of 2338 heats which is still running on the matter was delayed because of the lockdown
at SAIL Rourkela Steel Plant surpassing the previous and other restrictions. The matter may come up for
record of 2331 heats. This has been achieved through hearing next week. “The matter is sub-judice; the
the innovative zonal lining design of high grade and resolution professional of Odisha Slurry Pipeline and
superior quality Alumino-Silicon-Carbide Carbon the committee of creditors will be violating the judicial
and Corrundum-Mullite refractories. Top leadership orders if they consummate the transaction,” a Srei
of SAIL RSP and Senior Executives of Blast furnace spokesperson said.
division visited the site and congratulated the team of ArcelorMittal/Nippon Steel India, formerly Essar
Engineers and Technicians deployed by TRL Krosaki Steel India Ltd, has posted a lower EBIDTA of $107
for this special achievement. million (Rs 8,025 crore) during the April-June quarter
Products of TRL Krosaki are used in high temperature compared with $140 million (Rs 10,500 crore) in
processes equipment like kiln, furnaces, ovens, etc. January-March. Crude steel production also fell from
Backed by the technology support from Krosaki 1.7 to 1.2 Mt in the preceding quarter.
Harima Corporation of Japan, TRL Krosaki has made The Times of India
huge investments for modernisation and expansion of ArcelorMittal India commences operations at
its manufacturing facilities. It has developed a state- Thakurani iron ore mine in Odisha
of-the-art manufacturing plant which manufactures
ArcelorMittal India Private Limited (AMIPL), the
consistent and top quality refractories products. In
holding company of ArcelorMittal Nippon Steel
addition to supply of products, the company also
India (AM/NS India) said it has commenced mining
provides value added services like Total Refractories
operations at its Thakurani iron ore mine in Keonjhar
Management, Refractories Engineering Services and
district of Odisha. The Thakurani block, with estimated
Technical Support Services and customized solutions
reserves of around 179 Mt, is expected to make a
to the needs of the customers.
significant contribution to AM/NS India’s long-term
- Press Release from TRL Krosaki
raw material requirements.
Arcelor seals Odisha deal to procure iron ore for "The block has annual production capacity of 5.5 Mt,
Essar Steel which can be scaled up to 8 Mt, and its mineral reserves
ArcelorMittal has completed the acquisition of Odisha are expected to increase once detailed exploration is
Slurry Pipeline Infrastructure Ltd (OSPIL) for a net complete," an official statement said.
consideration of Rs 1,860 crore, filling a much needed AMIPL, which subsequently signed a Mine
gap in its supply chain logistics to procure iron ore for Development and Production agreement, executed a
Essar Steel. ArcelorMittal had acquired Essar Steel for lease deed with the state government, has since acquired
Rs 42,000 crore in partnership with Nippon Steel of all valid rights, approvals, clearances and licenses,
Japan. the statement added. In February 2020, AMIPL was
The pipeline is a key infrastructure to ferry ore from selected preferred bidder for the Thakurani iron ore
the mine heads inside Odisha to the Paradip port mine license following an auction process conducted
without depending on road or rail network. The ore is by the Odisha state government, in which AMIPL
then converted to pellets, loaded in ships and taken to agreed to pay a 107.55% premium per tonne, as well as
Hazira in Gujarat where the Essar plant is located. The other royalty and duties.
company acted on an NCLT Cuttack order of March Commenting on the development, Dilip Oommen,
2 and paid off the creditors, led by IDBI, earlier this CEO, AM/NS India said: "ArcelorMittal India and AM/
month. It also inducted three directors on the board NS India are pleased to have commenced operations at
of OSPIL. However, Calcutta-based NBFC Srei this strategically important captive raw material site.
Infrastructure Finance Ltd (SIFL), a fund sponsored The ore produced at Thakurani will feed AM/NS India’s
by Srei having 69.81 % stake in OSPIL, continues steel manufacturing facilities and support our long-term
to dispute the transaction. SIFL, which had also lent ambition to significantly grow our production capacity
Rs 321 crore to the pipeline, did not accept the fund in India with a secure, integrated supply chain. Over

time, our plan is to connect Thakurani to our plants in JSW Steel reported consolidated net loss of Rs 582
Odisha through a slurry pipeline, which ensures both crore, its first quarterly loss in six years, indicating the
a cost effective and environmentally friendly mode of impact of the virus outbreak and the lockdown. The
mineral logistics." he said. company's net debt increased by 14% to Rs 54,527 crore
The Economic Times quarter on quarter, driven by Rs 1,290 crore of upfront
JSW Steel plans to increase capacity of crude steel payment as advances, apart from a Rs 817 crore capex
to 27 Mt by FY-2022 spend during the quarter. Its net debt to Ebitda ratio
reached 5.7 times in the quarter, and analysts estimate
JSW Steel will expand capacity to produce around 27 that to go up to 8 if the Bhushan Power acquisition is
Mt of crude steel by financial year 2022 from about completed this fiscal year.
18 mt in fiscal year 2020, joint managing director
Seshagiri Rao said. “We will have 23 mt of production "We are increasing capacities, we see demand
from increased capacities over and above the 3.5 mt improving and there is a better access to the export
from completing the acquisition of Bhushan Power market, net debt will be coming down in the coming
& Steel and 1 mt from the Monnet Ispat acquisition,” quarters,” Rao said. “Demand recovery has not been
Rao told ET in an interaction. JSW Steel will focus on uniform; the impact of Covid-19 has not been similar
normalising operations and reducing costs this year so across India. The southern region is affected more than
that its earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and the northern parts. Urban areas were affected more than
amortisation (Ebitda) will improve. the rural,” he said. In the first quarter, retail sales inched
up as smaller construction and real estate projects in
The Covid-19 pandemic has resulted in a shortage of
tier I and tier II cities, where labour requirement is
labour. The workforce number came down from 15,000
minimal, picked up faster, added Rao. The company
to 3,000 at its unit in Dolvi (Maharashtra) between
is also seeing positive traction from the two-wheelers
March and April. However, it has since gone up to
and tractors segment, packaging and solar, along with
4,900, Rao said. “Workers want to come back. In the
consumer durables like refrigerators, dishwashers and
next two quarters, we will focus on completing pending
ACs, he said.
acquisitions,” he said.
The Economic Times
JSW Steel will invest Rs 4,000 crore in nearly doubling
its downstream capacities, like tin plates, galvanized JSW Steel exports volume touch 53 % of sales in Q1
steel and the colour-coated segment, from 5 to 9 mt. JSW Steel exported nearly 53 % of its total sales
“We have operationalised four mines in Odisha, six volume during the June quarter of FY21. A drop in
in Karnataka and we are working on operationalising domestic demand, disruption in supply chain and acute
three more mines in Karnataka, with a total capex of shortage of construction labour were among the factors
around Rs 1,250 crore,” he said. Its Dolvi and Salem that led one of the top steelmakers to boost export
plants will have complete raw material security, while volumes during the quarter. "The company achieved a
one-third of its requirements at Vijayanagar will be met sales volume of 2.80 million tonnes on a standalone
from operational mines, he said. basis and export sales accounted for 53% of total sales
The company’s overseas businesses also reported volume. On a consolidated basis, export sales stood at
losses in the first quarter. Acero, in Ohio (US) posted an 1.58 million for the quarter, with domestic sales at 1.21
Ebitda loss of $12.54 million, while the Italy business, million tonnes," JSW Steel said in a statement.
Aferpi, posted an Ebitda loss of 7 million euros. “We Other steelmakers too had taken a similar approach to
are losing money from Ohio, the first time in the last keep inventory levels from rising. During 1Q FY21,
decade, more we produce, the more we are losing. We JSPL's standalone reported sales were 1.56 million
have invested a capex of $27 million for modernisation tonnes out of which exports were 0.90 million tonnes.
of electric arc furnace plants,” Rao said, adding that it In April and May, Tata Steel ramped up exports
will be shut till the modernisation is complete. significantly by tapping new markets. The company
The company is also planning to shut down its wire rod also said that exports will constitute around 50% of
and bar mill at the Italian unit and focus on positive total sales volume in Q1 FY21.
Ebitda-generating segments like railway mills, he “Domestic sales volume continued to improve in the
added. In 2018, JSW Steel said it would invest $1 months of May and June, signaling a gradual revival
billion in its Ohio steel mills, after acquiring the unit of economic activities within the country,” JSW Steel
for an enterprise value of about $182 million, including said. Despite lack of demand and a major disruption
around $102 million of debt. in running Ballari plant in Karnataka due to increasing

number of Covid-19 cases among the workers, JSW consolidated Ebitda at Rs 5,483/tonne, and said, “We
Steel achieved an average capacity utilisation of around believe overseas acquisition will continue to bleed cash.
66% for the June quarter , and the capacity utilisation We do not anticipate any turnaround in these assets in
in May and June alone was 80 %. the near term”. As per analysts’ estimates, the overseas
In India, economic activities are picking up across the acquisitions have impacted the company's June quarter
board, however, localised lockdowns driven by the earnings. The US Plate and Pipe Mill reported an
resurgence of COVID-19 cases remains a key risk to Ebitda loss of $ 11.4 million, JSW Steel USA Ohio
sustain the pace of recovery, said the company, JSW Inc reported an Ebitda loss of $12.54 million and JSW
Steel said in a statement. JSW Steel has reported a loss Steel (Italy) reported a loss of Euro 7 million during
for the first time in six years. Apart from the damage the June quarter. "Overall, targeted access to credit and
caused Covid-19 led nationwide lockdowns, the liquidity, favourable policies, and measures to support
consolidated earnings of JSW Steel also reflect its loss- global supply chain realignments are likely to aid
making overseas acquisitions. steady domestic economic recovery, notably from the
second half of FY2021," it added.
Emkay Research estimated that the company will post
The Economic Times
*********
EVENTS CALENDAR 2020
August
28th
The Indian Institute of Metals, Jamshedpur Chapter is organising an International e-Seminar for Students
of Metallurgy and Materials Science, named "Behind the Teacher's Desk” eBTTD2020 on Metallurgical
Engineering in association with Tata Steel and CSIR-National Metallurgical Laboratory (NML), Jamshedpur
through WebEx Event.
Website : http://bttd.nmlindia.org/eBTTD2020/index.html.
September
2nd - 4th
CII - IIM is organising virtual classes on “Metallurgical Failure analysis of Industrial Components” during
2-4 September at 1000 hrs – 1430 hrs each day. For Registration please contact Ms. Priyanka Sehgal /
Mr. Ravindra Singh / Mr. Rohit Yadav , Mobile: 8054579556/ 9584921158/ 9039592628
*********
STEEL STATISTICS
An Overview of Steel Sector : Data provided by JPC

Global Scenario World Steel Association). The same for India was
• In CY 2019, the world crude steel production reached 73.3 kg in 2018 and 75.7 kg (prov) in 2019. The
1870 million tonne (mt) and showed a growth of 3.4 per capita consumption of India in 2018-19 was 74.1
% over CY 2018. kg, and that in 2019-20 was 74.6 kg (prov.) (Source:
• China remained world’s largest crude steel producer JPC).
in same period (996 mt) followed by India (111mt), Note: World Steel Association report, Data Provisional
Japan (99mt) and the USA (88mt). Domestic Scenario
• Per capita finished steel consumption in 2018 was • The Indian steel industry has entered into a new
224.5 kg for world and 590.1 kg for China (Source: development stage, post de-regulation, riding high

on the resurgent economy and rising demand for Demand - Availability
steel. • Industry dynamics including demand-availability of
• Rapid rise in production has resulted in India iron and steel in the country are largely determined
becoming the 2nd largest producer of crude steel by market forces and gaps in demand-availability are
during 2018 and 2019 (prov), from its 3rd largest met mostly through imports.
status in 2017. The country was also the largest • Interface with consumers exists by way of meeting
producer of Sponge Iron or DRI in the world and the of the Steel Consumers' Council, which is conducted
3rd largest finished steel consumer in the world after on regular basis.
China & USA in 2019 (prov.)
• Interface helps in redressing availability problems,
• In a de-regulated, liberalized economic/market complaints related to quality.
scenario like India the Government’s role is that of a
Steel Prices
facilitator which lays down the policy guidelines and
establishes the institutional mechanism/structure • Price regulation of iron & steel was abolished on
for creating conducive environment for improving 16.1.1992. Since then steel prices are determined by
efficiency and performance of the steel sector. the interplay of market forces.
• In this role, the Government has released the • Domestic steel prices are influenced by trends in raw
National Steel Policy 2017, which has laid down the material prices, demand - supply conditions in the
broad roadmap for encouraging long term growth market, international price trends among others.
for the Indian steel industry, both on demand and • As a facilitator, the Government monitors the steel
supply sides, by 2030-31. The Government has market conditions and adopts fiscal and other policy
also announced a policy for providing preference to measures based on its assessment. Currently, GST of
domestically manufactured Iron & Steel products in 18% is applicable on steel and there is no export duty
Government procurement. on steel items.
Production • A Steel Price Monitoring Committee has been
• Steel industry was de-licensed and de-controlled in constituted by the Government with the aim
1991 & 1992 respectively. to monitor price rationalization, analyse price
fluctuations and advise all concerned regarding any
• India was the 2nd largest producer of crude steel in
irrational price behaviour of steel commodity.
the world in 2019(prov.).
• To avoid any distortion in prices in view of ad-hoc
• In 2019-20, production of total finished steel (alloy/
and rising imports, the Government had taken several
stainless + non alloy) was 102.059 million tonnes
steps including raising import duty and imposed
(mt) (prov.).
a gamut of measures including anti-dumping and
• Production of Pig Iron in 2019-20 was 5.507 mt safeguard duties on a host of applicable iron and
(prov.), a decline of 14.1 % over last year. steel items. In a further move to curb steel imports,
• India was the largest producer of Sponge Iron in the Indian government banned the production and
the world in 2019 (prov.). The coal based route sale of steel products that does not meet Bureau of
accounted for 86 % of total Sponge Iron production Indian Standard (BIS) approval and to check the sale
(37.143 mt) in the country in 2019-20 (prov.). of defective and sub-standard stainless steel products
• Data on production of Pig Iron, Sponge Iron and used for making utensils and various kitchen
Total Finished Steel ( alloy / stainless + non-alloy ) appliances, it issued the Stainless Steel (Quality
are given below for last five years: Control) Order, 2016 for products used in making
Indian steel industry : Production ( in million tonne )

Category 2015-16 2016-17 2017-18 2018-19 2019-20*
Pig Iron 10.24 10.34 5.73 6.41 5.51
Sponge Iron 22.43 28.76 30.51 34.71 37.14
Total Finished Steel 106.60 120.14 126.85 101.29 102.06
Source : Joint Plant Committee; *prov.

utensils and kitchen appliances, that will help filter facilitator, providing broad directions and assistance
imports of the metal. to new and existing steel plants, in the liberalized
Imports scenario.
• Iron & steel are freely importable. The Growth Profile
• Data on import of total finished steel (alloy/stainless (i) Steel : The liberalization of industrial policy and
+ non alloy) is given below for last five years : other initiatives taken by the Government have given
a definite impetus for entry, participation and growth
Exports
of the private sector in the steel industry. While the
• Iron & steel are freely exportable. existing units are being modernized/expanded, a
• India emerged as a net exporter of total finished steel large number of new steel plants have also come up
in 2016-17 and 2017-18 and 2019-20 (prov.). in different parts of the country based on modern,
• Data on export of total finished steel (alloy/stainless cost effective, state of-the-art technologies. In the last
+ non alloy) is given below for last five years : few years, the rapid and stable growth of the demand
Levies on Iron & Steel side has also prompted domestic entrepreneurs to set
up fresh greenfield projects in different states of the
SDF levy: This was a levy started for funding
country.
modernisation, expansion and development of
steel sector. The Fund, inter-alia, supports Capital Crude steel capacity was 142.98 mt in 2019-20 (prov.),
expenditure for modernisation, rehabilitation, up by 0.5 % over 2018-19 . India emerged as the 2nd
diversification, renewal & replacement of Integrated largest producer of crude steel in the world in 2019,
Steel Plants, Research & Development, Rebates to as per data released by the World Steel Association. It
SSI Corporations among others. The SDF levy was has to its credit the capability to produce a variety of
abolished on 21.4.94. An Empowered Committee has grades, and that too, of international quality standards.
been set up to guide the R&D effort in this sector. (ii) Pig Iron : India is also an important producer of
EGEAF: This levy started for reimbursing the price pig iron. Post-liberalization, with setting up several
differential cost of inputs used for engineering units in the private sector, not only imports have
exporters. Fund was discontinued on 19.2.96. drastically reduced but also India has turned out to be
a net exporter of pig iron. The private sector accounted
Opportunities for growth of Iron and Steel in
for 89% of total production of pig iron (5.507 mt) in the
Private Sector
country in 2019-20 (prov.).
The New Industrial Policy Regime
Sponge Iron : India, world’s largest producer of sponge
The New Industrial policy opened up the Indian iron and iron (2019), has a host of coal based units located in the
steel industry for private investment by (a) removing it mineral-rich states of the country. Over the years, the
from the list of industries reserved for public sector and coal based route has emerged as a key contributor and
(b) exempting it from compulsory licensing. Imports of accounted for 86 % of total Sponge Iron production in
foreign technology as well as foreign direct investment the country during 2019-20 (prov.). Capacity in Sponge
are now freely permitted up to certain limits under an Iron making too has increased over the years and stood
automatic route. Ministry of Steel plays the role of a at 37.143 mt (2019-20) (prov.).
Indian steel industry : Import of Total Finished Steel (in million tonne)
Category 2015-16 2016-17 2017-18 2018-19 2019-20*
Qty 11.71 7.23 7.48 7.83 6.77
Indian steel industry : Export of Total Finished Steel (in million tonne)
Category 2015-16 2016-17 2017-18 2018-19 2019-20*
Qty 4.08 8.24 9.62 6.36 8.36

CRC MEETING
Chapters’ Conclave - Summary of Discussions
The Chapters’ Conclave video conference was hosted at the national level. Prof. Gokhale observed that
from Kanpur on 24-July-2020 at 14.30 hrs, chaired Chapters with large income also tended to have large
by Dr. R. N. Patra, Chairman, Chapter Relationship outgo, which indicates a healthy sign.
Committee (CRC). Representatives from CRC, IIM 4. The following points were raised and discussed by
Apex Committee, ACFP, IIM Chapters and Head the chapter’s representatives:
Office participated in the online meeting. (a) On the issue of pruning membership records and
A. The Chairman, Chapter Relationship Committee refreshing contact details: (i) The “information flow
(CRC) welcomed all members and initiated the tree” concept from IIM Jamshedpur Chapter was
proceeding. Dr. Divakar presented a summary of inputs highly appreciated in the meeting. It is a concept where
received from twenty Chapters and some key points each EC member takes responsibility of establishing
extracted from previous meeting at Trivandrum in and maintaining personal contact with certain number
November, 2019. of the Chapter’s members, (ii) IIM Ranchi Chapter
1. It has been observed during the preceding five proclaimed its moving into permanent premises at
Chapter Conclaves that many of the Chapters were not “E/3, Shyamali Colony, Doranda, Ranchi-834002,
coming forward for the interactions. A further analysis Jharkhand”.
showed that participation was consistently good from (b) On compliance matters, it was apprised that
the large category Chapters, while only four small audited accounts have to be submitted within 15-Aug-
category chapters were present in the meeting. As a way 2020 (being a special relaxation) and Chapter’s AGMs
forward, it was advised that interactions between HO have to be held by the end of September 2020. Due to
and Chapters should be increased for the betterment of this pandemic situation, auditors across the country are
the Institute. accepting scanned documents and issuing the auditor’s
2. A look through the Chapter inputs obtained under report. Hence, this benefit could be availed by all
six headings, namely, (i) Activities completed, (ii) Chapters across the country to avoid any further delay
Financials, (iii) IT / networking strategies, (iv) Future in submitting the audit report to IIM-HO.
plans and long-term vision, (v) major success and (vi) (c) On the issue of improving participation of women
area in which excellence is wished to be attained. While into leadership positions at IIM, it was advised that,
many of the Chapters were healthy in their activities, the Chapters can play the primary role by bringing
plans and finances, concern for the coming year women into leadership positions in their Executive
were also expressed on the financial front as well as Committees. Further, it was suggested that a discussion
difficulties in roping in new members. A positive trend will be initiated on “enhancing participation of women
was coping with present situation through increased in metallurgical operations”.
reliance on electronic modes of communication, and (d) The issue of de-recognition of AMIIM was
through migration of traditional gathering for events identified as one of the key obstacle in roping the new
to virtual platforms emerged, giving rise to some members as well as holding back the existing members.
optimism. Professor Amol Gokhale clarified the issue to Chapter
3. The Chairman’s observations on the above were: (i) representatives that, the de-recognition of AMIIM,
several cases where expenditure was shown more than along with similar programmes of sixty-three other
the income may to be examined by HO to ensure at professional bodies is final and it could not be restored
least break-even in future (ii) utmost care and caution by any tweaking such as inclusion of laboratory
should be exercised by Chapters by submitting audited courses. However, AMIIM certification would stand
accounts on time, and (iii) further thrust required from on its own, based on its strong curriculum. Efforts
HO and Chapters for persistent following up with small would be made to collaborate with private industries to
and medium chapters for their greater participation recognise the course; a parallel plan was initiated with

the certification programme of association of chartered innovation and indigenisation due to foreign exchange
accountants. Short term certification courses would becoming dearer and difficult, and (iii) enabling
be conducted by IIM to fill up the monitory deficit student engagement through national portals for online
encountered due to the de-recognition of AMIIM courses, training opportunities, etc.
examination. Eleven titles have been already identified 5. In remarks from the Head Office, Shri Kushal
with the first scheduled by the end of this month, on Saha appreciated the larger attendance enabled by the
Stainless Steels. He invited Chapters to come up with online mode of meeting and suggested quarterly CRC
ideas to generate more revenue from educational meetings to improve interaction with Chapters. He also
courses, especially the courses that could include stressed on the issue to file accounts on time by the
practical training at industries associated with some Chapters. He advised the GST unregistered Chapters to
IIM chapters. register immediately.
B. Deliberations and recommendations 6. In his final remarks, Prof. Gokhale indicated that
1. The recommendation in earlier CRC meetings for while COVID-19 days are challenging, availability of
engaging industry was further deliberated in reference online platforms meant that turnover of events could
to improve finance of IIM by Dr. De Sarkar and Prof. also be increased. Further, sponsorship revenue could
Gokhale. Industries could be approached to get enrolled also be generated by devoting some screen-space for
as sustaining members by providing free technical advertisements and announcements. He ended on an
consultancy for improving efficiency, carrying out optimistic note that normality would be restored soon.
energy audits, overcoming manpower or marketing Dr. Patra concluded the meeting by thanking the
issues, organising short term courses at nominal costs, members for their active participation.
etc. These efforts would be appreciated by metals Participants:
industry reeling under COVID-19 challenges. Apex, ACFP, Council Members: Dr. U. Kamachi
2. Dr. Pugazhenty recalled the foundation of CRC Mudali, Prof. Amol Gokhale, Dr. L. Pugazhenty.
under the guidance of Dr. Placid Rodriguez to bring the CRC: Dr. Rabinarayan Patra, Dr. Debasis De
Chapters together bi-annually, to develop fellowship Sarkar, Dr. Divakar R., Dr. Sudhanshu Singh, Dr. J.
among Chapters of the Institute, and efforts to engage Krishnamoorthi, Dr. P. Parameswaran, Dr. Rani P.
with students through quiz programmes. He advised George, Dr. Kaushik Chattopadhyay, Shri Kushal Saha.
that Chapters should put extra efforts to influence
Chapter Representatives: (Bangalore) Dr. Abhik
more students to take up careers in science. Further, he
Choudhury, Dr. Shubho Dasgupta; (Baroda) Sunil
observed that the number of national conferences and
Kahar; (Bhubaneswar) Anil K. Chaubey; (Delhi)
seminars were small in relation to number of Chapters Kishore Mehrotra; (Hyderabad) Y. Purushottam;
and he wished an enhancement. (Jamshedpur) Dr. Mita Tarafder, Dr. Chiradeep
3. A cloud-based Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) Ghosh, Dr. Gopi Mandal; (Bhilai) S. S. R. C.
system is being implemented at HO would be rolled- Murthy; (Durgapur) Lohitendu Badu; (Kalpakkam)
out by end of 2020. This would enable all Chapters to Dr. V. Karthik; (Mumbai) Dr. Raghvendra Tewari;
file all financial records including GST related filings (Kalinganagar) Surendra Gujjarlapudi; (Kolkata)
through an online portal. To make it successful (i) GST Dr. Tapan K. Chakravarty; (Pune) Dr. Vaishali
registration of all Chapters need to be completed, and Poddar; (Goa) Dr. Vikas Chaudhuri, Varinder Singh
(ii) Chapters should move their bank accounts uniformly and Gautam Bacher; (Trichy) N. Rajasekaran, G.
with State Bank of India for easy consolidation. Rajendran; (Kharagpur) Prof. Tapas Laha; (Varanasi)
4. Dr. Eswara Prasad expressed optimism that a Joysurya Basu; (Vijayanagar) Lokendraraj Singh;
challenge is always an opportunity, listing three areas: [Coimbatore and Kanpur Chapters were represented
(i) the Prime Minister’s initiatives for industry enabling by CRC Members Dr. J. Krishnamoorthi and Dr. N.
a re-think on supply-chain and other issues arising Eswara Prasad respectively].
out of the need to isolate the nation from withdrawal IIM Head Office: Tamal Goswami, Indrani Ghosh,
of Chinese sources and products, (ii) need for greater Tanisha Das.
*********

OBITUARY
With a heavy heart we inform that Prof. G.S. Upadhyaya passed away on 19 July 2020
evening in Varanasi due to age-related ailments. He is survived by his wife and two
sons.
Prof. Upadhyaya was born on 15th June 1939 in Varanasi. He joined Indian Institute
of Technology Kanpur as Professor in 1976 after 11 years of service in the University
of Roorkee. After serving as AICTE Emeritus Professor, he moved back to his native
town Varanasi in 2004. After superannuation, he continued to be academically active
and published 8 books and several papers. In fact, he kept participating and engaging
in academic activities of the Department all his life. He instituted Prof. Bal Deva
Upadhyaya Gold Medal for best M.Tech. thesis in the area of Physical Metallurgy, and
created an endowment fund for Annual Samsonov Memorial Lecture Series. His dedication and passion towards
his field is exemplary. Prof. Upadhyay was a nationally and internationally known scholar in the field of Powder
Metallurgy. He leaves behind a rich legacy of stellar academic contributions (300 papers and 20 books) and his
students (12 PhD and 35 MTech).
*********
IIM CHAPTER ACTIVITY
Raigarh Chapter: Five Day Online Faculty Technology” and Mr. D. Satish Kumar, DGM, R&D
Development Programme on Recent Advances in from JSW Bellary on the topic “Technologies for
Process Metallurgy sustainable recycling of steel plant waste”.
Online Faculty Development Programme on Recent On July 14, the talks were delivered by Prof.
Advances in Process Metallurgy was organised by the Amarendra Kumar Singh from IIT Kanpur on the
Department of Metallurgical Engineering, OP Jindal topic “Mathematical Modelling of Continuous Casting
University (OPJU), Raigarh, in association with ASM - Operations”; Prof. Geoffrey Brooks from Swinburne
India Chapter and IIM Student Raigarh Chapter during University of Technology-Australia on the topic “New
July 13-17, 2020. The objective of this FDP was to Perspectives on Slag Chemistry” and Prof. Kamalesh
bring all the people working in the Process Metallurgy Kumar Singh from IIT-BHU on the topic, “Valuable
domain on a single platform so that they can exchange Metals recovery from electronic waste”. Around 513
their ideas and achievements. The programme covered participants attended the talk.
15 technical talks by eminent speakers from various On 15th July, lecturers were Prof. R. Venu Gopal from
IITs, Foreign Universities, Industry and R & D sector IIT (ISM) Dhanbad on the topic “Green Pelletisation”;
covering the topics related to both Ferrous and Non- Dr. Ashok Kamaraj, Scientist from NML Jamshedpur
Ferrous Process Metallurgy. An overwhelming response on the topic, “Understanding steelmaking operations
was received in terms of registrations from India as through physical simulation technique” and Dr. G.
well as from abroad with a total of 550+ registrations Balachandran, Vice President R&D from JSW Bellary
of which 70+ were from abroad. on the topic “Extraction of Rare Earth Materials for
Technical sessions started on July 13th at 11.30 AM. Advanced Application”. ants have attended the talk.
Every day 3 lectures were delivered; each of 1hr On July 16, talks were given by Prof. N.N. Viswanathan
duration, followed by discussions. from IIT Bombay on the topic “Process Modeling in
The lecturers on the 1st day were Prof. Brahma Deo Iron and Steel Making Process - Some case studies”;
from IIT Bhubaneshwar on the topic “Fundamentals of Prof. Nikhil Dhawan from IIT Roorkee on the topic
modelling of mass transport controlled reactions in iron “Application of Microwave Processing in Process
and steel making”; Prof. G.G. Roy from IIT Kharagpur Metallurgy”and Mr. Ammasi, Scientist from NML
on the topic “Recent Advances in Ironmaking Jamshedpur on the topic “Double slag practice in

the induction furnace for dephosphorisation and Technical Advisor from Stork Group on the topic, “An
desulphurisation of teel”. overview and Advancements in Ferroalloy Production”.
The last day, lecturers were Prof. Ajay Kumar Shukla Dignitaries present at the valedictory session were Dr.
from IIT Madras on the topic “Quantitative approach Zi-Kui Lui, President of ASM , Mr. Pravin Purang,
to optimise and control iron and steelmaking process : Chancellor, OPJU , Dr. R.D. Patidar VC, OPJU , Dr.
Case studies of Oxygen steelmaking and COREX-iron P.S. Bokare, Dean School of Engineering, OPJU , Dr.
making”; Dr. Benadict Rakesh, Scientist from IMMT Ashok K. Srivastava, Chairman-FDP , Dr. Trinath
Bhubaneshwar on the topic, “Process Metallurgy of Talapaneni, Convener of FDP, and Prof. Md. Izhar
Non-Ferrous Metals” and Dr. CH Sambasiva Rao, Hussain, Organising Secretary.
*********
MEMBER NEWS
This is an autobiography that traces the life of a transformational leader, as

narrated by him. It alternates between his personal life and his professional life, his
aspirations and his accomplishments as a scientist, as an industry captain and as a
communicator. Above all, the book is about people and what makes them what they
are. It details how his concept of reducing “the distance between minds” helped
synergise twenty-six thousand employees of one of the largest industrial enterprises
in India, leading to its regeneration and sustainability. The narration is full of subtle
elements which will be motivational to many, especially the young.
Sanak Mishra is a student of the philosophy of the hierarchy of knowledge. He is currently

President of the Indian National Academy of Engineering. He had a long innings with Steel
Authority of India Limited, moving up to Board level. As Managing Director of Rourkela
Steel Plant, he turned around this ailing unit in dramatic fashion, through a sustained campaign
called SAMSKAR. The mass contact exercise he introduced here has been described as a
communication revolution. He has also served as Vice President of ArcelorMittal, the largest
steel producer in the world. More recently as the first Secretary General of Indian Steel
Association, he anchored it as the voice of the Indian steel industry. He has been President of the Indian Institute
of Metals and the Chairman of the International Organization of Metals, Materials and Minerals Societies. For
his seminal contributions to science and technology, he was conferred the distinguished alumni award from the
Indian Institute of Science and the distinguished merit alumni award from the Department of Materials Science
& Engineering at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, USA. He is a recipient of the JRD Tata Award
for Excellence in Corporate Leadership. In 2018 he was bestowed with the Lifetime Achievement Award by the
Ministry of Steel, Government of India.
*********

CII - IIM JOINT TRAINING COURSE
Source : http://www.mtlexs.com/

NONFERROUS METALS STATISTICS
Production ( unit : Metric Tonne )

June’20 May’20 Apr’20 2019 - 20 2018 - 19
ALUMINIUM
National Aluminium Co Ltd 33,067 32,720 32,351 4,18,373 4,40,242
Hindalco Industries Ltd # 97,606 98,352 95,478 13,11,849 12,94,502
Bharat Aluminium Co. Ltd 45,051 46,288 46,214 5,63,313 5,71,814
Vedanta Ltd 1,09,506 1,09,763 1,11,927 13,62,595 13,87,784
TOTAL 2,85,230 2,87,123 2,85,970 36,56,130 36,94,342
# Renukoot, Hirakud, Mahan, Aditya Aluminium
ZINC ( One major producer )

Hindustan Zinc Ltd 61,042 63,723 32,498 6,88,286 6,96,283
COPPER ( Cathode )
Hindustan Copper Ltd 0*** 0*** 0*** 5,340 16,215
Hindalco (Birla Copper) 21,248 15,653 4411 3,25,568 3,17,600
Vedanta Ltd. 8033 5,840 2683 77,490 4,03,168
TOTAL 29,281 21,493 7094 4,08,398 7,36,983
*** Shortage of copper concentrate for ICC smelter due to direct sale of concentrate.
LEAD (One major producer)

Hindustan Zinc Ltd 19,402 17,535 7,398 1,81,370 1,97,838
Source : https://mines.gov.in/
Prices in India ( As on 31st July, 2020 )

(Mumbai Local Price in Rs./ kg )
Product Rs./kg Product Rs./kg

Copper Armature 440 Brass Shell 40mm 388.56
Copper Cathode LME 520 Aluminium 6063 scrap Not available
CC Rod LME 523 Aluminium scrap Taint/Tabor do
Copper Cable scrap 455 Aluminium Cable scrap do
Copper Shell 40mm 481 Aluminium Ingot 147
Electrolytic Copper strip 25mm 476 Aluminium utensil scrap 112
ACR Copper Coil 3/8 540 Zinc Slab 186
Brass Sheet scrap 321 Lead ingot 154
Brass Pales scrap Not available Tin Slab 1425
Brass Pallu scrap do Nickel Cathode 1060
Brass Honey scrap 302
Source : http://www.mtlexs.com/

CRUDE STEEL PRODUCTION
Crude Steel Production (June 2020)

Country in thousand tonne Country in thousand tonne
World 1,48,295.2 Netherlands 338.3
China 91,578.8 Sweden 333.4
India 6,917.0 Others 310
Russia 5,600.0 Czech Republic 298.7
Japan 5,597.9 Thailand 290
South Korea 5,096.5 Argentina 241.1
United States 4,746.0 Kazakhstan 235
Turkey 2,799.0 South Africa 230.4
Germany 2,475.0 Finland 230
Iran 2,424.6 United Arab Emirates 218.6
Brazil 2,100.0 Belarus 210
Vietnam 1,922.2 Pakistan 195
Italy 1,810.0 Luxembourg 150.1
Ukraine 1,809.1 Hungary 145
Taiwan, China 1,700.0 Serbia 117
Mexico 1,130.0 Greece 95
France 836.3 Chile 90
Spain 834.0 Qatar 79.6
Canada 750.0 Uzbekistan 75
Poland 615.0 Colombia 65
Egypt 600.0 New Zealand 58.6
Belgium 580.0 Norway 57.5
Saudi Arabia 540.8 Bulgaria 50
Austria 510.0 Libya 45
United Kingdom 506.6 Bosnia and 40
Herzegovina
Australia 469.9 Peru 40
Source : WSA
Crude Steel Production Affected by COVID - 19

( in million tonne )
Jan’20 Feb’20 Mar’20 Apr’20 May’20 Jun’20 2019 2018
World 151.2 144.6 147.1 136.4 148.8 148.3 1870 1814
China 79.9 74.8 78.9 85.0 92.2 91.6 996.3 920.0
India 9.3 9.6 8.0 3.2 5.8 6.9 111.2 109.3
Japan 8.2 7.9 7.9 6.6 5.9 5.6 99.3 104.3
USA 7.6 7.1 7.0 5.0 4.8 4.8 87.9 86.6
Source : WSA

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IIM METAL NEWS

Vol. 23 No. 7 July 2020

Editor : Dr. Santanu Ray

Vol.23 No. 7 JULY 2020 3 IIM METAL NEWS

ADVISORY COMMITTEE OF FORMER PRESIDENTS

COUNCIL FOR THE YEAR 2019-20

IMMEDIATE FORMER PRESIDENT

FORMER SECRETARIES / SECRETARY GENERALS*

IIM METAL NEWS 4 Vol.23 No. 7 JULY 2020

Sponge Iron / HBI Substitute Scrap for Quality Products

ABSTRACT is evident that sponge iron/HBI is influence the supply

Vol.23 No. 7 JULY 2020 5 IIM METAL NEWS

Table 2: World sponge iron production by process (Mt/year)4

IIM METAL NEWS 6 Vol.23 No. 7 JULY 2020

Table 4: Physical Properties of Sponge Iron3

Lump 0.2 Max 93 Max 3.0 1.7 Irregular, 3-5 More

Vol.23 No. 7 JULY 2020 7 IIM METAL NEWS

IIM METAL NEWS 8 Vol.23 No. 7 JULY 2020

Fig 1: Metallization of sponge iron vs Energy Consumption in EAF.

Vol.23 No. 7 JULY 2020 9 IIM METAL NEWS

IIM METAL NEWS 10 Vol.23 No. 7 JULY 2020

Introduction capabilities suiting their equipment condition and

Vol.23 No. 7 JULY 2020 11 IIM METAL NEWS

Low Alloy∑AE <5% Medium Alloy∑AE <10% High Alloy∑ AE≥10%

With Low With Med. With High Tool Stainless

IIM METAL NEWS 12 Vol.23 No. 7 JULY 2020

Cr-Mo Steel Cr-Mo-Ni Steel Cr-Mo-Ni-Cu Steel Ni-Cr-Mo-V Forged Parts

Mo- Steel Cr Steel Cr-Mo Steel Ni-Cr-Mo

Low / Med / High

Low Alloy Steel with Low Carbon

Non Alloy Steel Alloy Steel

Med Alloy Cr-Mo

High Carbon Cr-Ni -Stainless

Vol.23 No. 7 JULY 2020 15 IIM METAL NEWS

IIM METAL NEWS 16 Vol.23 No. 7 JULY 2020

Optomec advancement enables additive Digitalization of Additive Manufacturing (IDAM)

Vol.23 No. 7 JULY 2020 17 IIM METAL NEWS

Inductotherm Corp., Rancocas, N.J., offers heavy steel

IIM METAL NEWS 18 Vol.23 No. 7 JULY 2020

Engineers from Technische Universität Dresden

Vol.23 No. 7 JULY 2020 19 IIM METAL NEWS

Marc Glasser of Rolled Alloys, Temperance, Mich.,

IIM METAL NEWS 20 Vol.23 No. 7 JULY 2020

Vol.23 No. 7 JULY 2020 21 IIM METAL NEWS

IIM METAL NEWS 22 Vol.23 No. 7 JULY 2020

Vol.23 No. 7 JULY 2020 23 IIM METAL NEWS

IIM METAL NEWS 24 Vol.23 No. 7 JULY 2020

EVENTS CALENDAR 2020

An Overview of Steel Sector : Data provided by JPC

Vol.23 No. 7 JULY 2020 25 IIM METAL NEWS

Indian steel industry : Production ( in million tonne )

IIM METAL NEWS 26 Vol.23 No. 7 JULY 2020

Vol.23 No. 7 JULY 2020 27 IIM METAL NEWS

Chapters’ Conclave - Summary of Discussions

IIM METAL NEWS 28 Vol.23 No. 7 JULY 2020

Vol.23 No. 7 JULY 2020 29 IIM METAL NEWS

IIM CHAPTER ACTIVITY

IIM METAL NEWS 30 Vol.23 No. 7 JULY 2020

This is an autobiography that traces the life of a transformational leader, as

Sanak Mishra is a student of the philosophy of the hierarchy of knowledge. He is currently

Vol.23 No. 7 JULY 2020 31 IIM METAL NEWS

IIM METAL NEWS 32 Vol.23 No. 7 JULY 2020

Production ( unit : Metric Tonne )

ZINC ( One major producer )

LEAD (One major producer)

Prices in India ( As on 31st July, 2020 )

Product Rs./kg Product Rs./kg

Vol.23 No. 7 JULY 2020 33 IIM METAL NEWS

Crude Steel Production (June 2020)

Crude Steel Production Affected by COVID - 19

IIM METAL NEWS 34 Vol.23 No. 7 JULY 2020

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