Steel Billet Making

As a leader in induction technology, we offer a variety of products to help meet the demands of the steel billet making market by steel scrap and/or direct reduced iron (DRI).

Refining

Ladle Refining Furnaces (LRF) are used to raise the temperature and adjust the chemical composition of molten metal. Without LRFs, higher tap temperatures are normally required from steel making furnaces due to heat losses during refining with conventional ladles. Ladle refining of liquid metal is a proven technology to produce high quality steel.

Metal Refining with Argon Oxygen Decarburization (AOD) Refining Systems allow precise gas manipulation to achieve the desired end result. Since stainless steels need to be further refined, oxygen, gradually replaced by argon, is blown through the molten steel to eliminate impurities.

Argon Secondary Metallurgy (ASM) Systems allow precise gas manipulation. This helps to achieve the desired end result. Since stainless steels need to be further refined, oxygen, gradually replaced by argon, is blown through the molten steel to eliminate impurities.

Induction Power Window Ladle Systems combine the mobility, strength and refining flexibility of a steel ladle with the melting power, stirring action and precise temperature control of an induction furnace. Carrying out all processes, from pouring to refining, in the same container reduces production steps, increases energy savings and improves metal quality.

Melting

While some steel makers continue to use electric arc furnaces (EAF) for steel billet making, the industry is now beginning to see the many advantages that induction furnaces (IF) offer. Inductotherm’s Induction Melting Systems combine the most advanced technology. We offer solid-state VIP® Power Supply Systems to provide the steel industry with the fastest melt rates from cold charge to pour. Our most efficient Heavy Steel Shell Furnaces and our Steel Frame Furnaces allow users to melt more tons per kWh and kVA for lower melting costs and greater productivity.

Induction furnaces–specifically Inductotherm furnaces which consistently outperform others–are replacing arc furnaces. This is happening more frequently as steel melt shops are seeing the benefits that come with induction for steel making applications. Benefits include lower investment costs, better control of bath metallurgy and homogeneity, cleaner melting and quieter operation—all while requiring less space. Lower refractory costs and other consumables (such as electrodes) are another benefit along with minimum voltage notching and the lowest harmonic generation at lower power levels.

Casting

Continuous Billet Casting Machines repeatedly perform the same function as a shape is continuously solidified and withdrawn while it is being poured. This ensures that the length is not determined by mold dimensions. Bars, blooms, billets and other shapes can then be cut into various lengths.

Argon Purging Systems (APS) can be used for purging induction melting furnaces and induction power ladle systems. They help to reduce metallic inclusions to improve the overall purity of the melt. These systems are an economical way to produce alloy steels.

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Please note that there are a variety of products on this page which can be either directly supplied by Inductotherm or through our partnerships to help meet the demands of the steel billet making market by scrap or direct reduced iron (DRI) melting.

The Association of Iron and Steel Technology (AIST) provides the steel community with technological and innovative news on the people, producers and suppliers in the North American and international steel communities. To stay up-to-date on the latest steel news, visit AIST’s Steel News page.