The use cored wire in secondary steel refining has become essential. It enhances the mechanical properties of the steel by contributing to its deoxidation. Calcium alloys also give steel special characteristics, such as magnetic properties and electrical conductivity. It is important, therefore, to control the calcium content during the smelting process to maximize the effect of this addition on the final product.
Traditionally, calcium treatments are performed by spraying a calcareous solution directly into the liquid steel. These methods have several drawbacks including inefficient treatment and high costs. A new type cored wire has now been developed to solve these issues. This is a solid-core calcium wire with a sheath of 0.6 or 0.8 mm thickness (optional 1.1mm). Its metallurgical performance is superior to that offered by conventional calcium iron cored steel wires.
Cored wires with solid cores allow the calcium to be injected at a controlled depth in the steel melt, avoiding the natural evaporation of the core and thus optimizing the process. The calcium is also able to reach the deeper regions of the molten steel, which are not easily accessible to other methods of calcareous treatment.
The use of a solid calcium wire allows for a much greater amount of Calcium injection into the steel. As a result, Calcium treatment costs can be significantly reduced. Max-Cal(r), due to its high purity, has a very low Magnesium level. This means that the same metallurgical result can be achieved with less than half of the calcium used in traditional calcium iron wires.
Oxygen is a key parameter in determining the presence of non-metallic oxide inclusions. As the steel advances through subsequent smelting steps, the NMIs become larger and more numerous, causing quality issues. A comparison of oxygen levels before and following wire feeding shows that the steel composition is significantly stabilized.
English
Write a Message