ANDRITZ

News from Abroad: Furnace Upgrades, Smarter Heating, Stronger Supply Chains

/ HEAT TREAT NEWS

In today’s News from Abroad installment, we highlight several major global developments — from furnace upgrades and smarter heating technologies to expanded structural steel capacity and induction heating acquisitions — reflecting continued investment in efficient, modern metal processing worldwide.

Heat Treat Today partners with two international publications to deliver the latest news, tech tips, and cutting-edge articles that will serve our audience — manufacturers with in-house heat treat. Furnaces International, a Quartz Business Media publication, primarily serves the English-speaking globe, and heat processing, a Vulkan-Verlag GmbH publication, serves mostly the European and Asian heat treat markets.

Ladle Furnace Revamp Strengthens Steelmaking Operations

Tonggang optimizes ladle furnace performance with Primetals Technologies revamp.

“Primetals Technologies has completed a ladle furnace upgrade at Tonghua Iron and Steel (Tonggang) in Jilin Province, China. The project included the manufacture and installation of three-phase electrode arms and commissioning services. Primetals highlighted that the copper-clad electrode arms help increase power output, improve clamping precision, and maximize service life. Furthermore, they outlined that they also reduce energy consumption.”

Read more: “Primetals upgrades ladle furnace at Tonggang” at furnaces-international.com.

High-Efficiency Burner Technology Improves Furnace Performance in Aluminum Manufacturing

The plant specializes in high-quality aluminum wire for the energy and automotive industries.

“TRIMET has upgraded its foundry’s energy efficiency with regenerative burner technology. The facility, located in Saint-Jean-de-Maurienne, France, has equipped its two furnaces of the plate casting machine with this new system.”

“Regenerative burners work on the principle of heat recovery: instead of venting hot exhaust gases unused, their thermal energy is stored in a heat exchanger and then used to preheat the comnustion air. This reduces the energy requirements of the gas burners and substantially lowers natural gas consumption as well as the foundry’s CO2 emissions.”

Read more: “TRIMET’s regenerative burners boost energy efficiency” at furnaces-international.com.

Structural Steel Capacity Set to Double at Major Indian Facility

Jindal aims to boost structural steel capacity to support infrastructure and industrial demand. | Source: Adobe Stock / industrieblick

“Jindal Steel announced a significant expansion of its structural steel manufacturing capabilities at its Raigarh facility, under which the company will double its existing structural steel capacity from 1.2 million tons per annum (MTPA) to 2.4 MTPA by mid 2028.”

“As part of the expansion roadmap, Jindal Steel will commission a new, dedicated structural steel mill, alongside advanced upstream and downstream technology upgrades. This will enable the manufacture of larger, heavier, and more complex parallel flange sections required for next-generation infrastructure and energy projects.”

Read more: “Jindal Steel to Double Structural Steel Capacity at Raigarh to 2.4 MTPA” at heat processing.

Metal Processing Sees Boost from Induction Heating Acquisition

Teams of ANDRITZ and Sanzheng come together at final closing. | Source: ANDRITZ

“International technology group ANDRITZ has acquired a 51% stake in Baoding Sanzheng Electrical Equipment Co., Ltd., a China-based provide of advanced industrial induction heating systems. This further acquisition strengthens ANDRITZ’s position as a comprehensive solutions provider for steel processing, in particular electric steel.”

“The expanded offering strengthens the group’s ability to deliver full-line solutions for electrical steel processing, galvanizing, annealing, and forging.”

Read more: “ANDRITZ acquires induction heating specialist Sanzheng” at heat processing.

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News From Abroad: Initiatives, Processing for a Better World

/ AUTOMOTIVE HEAT TREAT NEWS, HEAT TREAT NEWS, MANUFACTURING HEAT TREAT NEWS, QUENCHING NEWS

In today’s News from Abroad installment, we highlight processing and initiatives that aim to improve operations and improve sustainability. Read more about a method used in the production of parts with complex geometries; a venture to create the world’s first fossil-free, ore-based steel with renewable electricity and green hydrogen; and a production plant that will generate around 9,000 tons of green hydrogen a year to be used for the production of carbon-reduced steel.

Heat Treat Today partners with two international publications to deliver the latest news, tech tips, and cutting-edge articles that will serve our audience – manufacturers with in-house heat treat. Furnaces International, a Quartz Business Media publication, primarily serves the English-speaking globe, and heat-processing, a Vulkan-Verlag GmbH publication, serves mostly the European and Asian heat treat markets.

Press Hardening Prevents Part Deformation

Press hardening neccessary due to part deformation during the rapid cooling phase induced by quenching
Source: Thermi-Lyon

“Press hardening serves a very specific purpose: to prevent part deformation during the rapid cooling phase induced by quenching. This process improves the performance of steels by giving them a martensitic structure without the need for reworking. Designed for high volume production of parts with complex geometries, press hardening is both highly effective and economical….

This process was initially developed for automotive manufacturers, to process large series of parts with complex geometries. In fact, this method is perfectly suited to the processing of large numbers of parts on a production line: since the cooling cycle is automatically programmed, it can be repeated ad infinitum. What’s more, the circulation of quenching fluid around the part held in the press results in uniform, controlled cooling that can easily be reproduced many times over.”

READ MORE: “Focus on Press Hardening and Its Advantages“ at heat-processing.com. 

HYBRIT Platforms Shift to Fossil-Free Steel

An electricity-based process gas heater for the hydrogen-based direct reduction process developed by HYBRIT (Hydrogen Breakthrough Ironmaking Technology)
Source: Kanthal

“Launched in 2016 as a joint venture owned by SSAB, LKAB, and Vattenfall, with support from the Swedish Energy Agency, HYBRIT aims to create the world’s first fossil-free, ore-based steel with renewable electricity and green hydrogen.

This involves shifting from coal-powered blast furnaces that use coal as a reduction medium to a direct reduction process using hydrogen produced via renewable energy. The first HYBRIT pilot plant in Luleå, Sweden, began operations in 2020, with commercial-scale production targeted by 2027.

Kanthal is proud to have contributed to HYBRIT’s groundbreaking journey by developing an electricity-based process gas heater for the hydrogen-based direct reduction process under the name Prothal®. This project showcased the feasibility of fossil-free industrial heating solutions and laid the groundwork for scaling up these technologies to meet the steel industry’s future needs.”

READ MORE: “Innovations by Kanthal Drive the HYBRIT Revolution for Fossil-Free Steel” at heat-processing.com

Largest Green Hydrogen Production Facility Underway

From left: Andrea Prevedello, Global Director Project Management of Green Hydrogen, at ANDRITZ; Walther Hartl, Project Manager of Electrolysis, at ANDRITZ; Sami Pelkonen, Executive Vice President of Green Hydrogen, at ANDRITZ; Gerd Baresch, Managing Director of the Technical Division, SZFG; Thorsten Hinrichs, Head of Pipeline Infrastructure, SZFG
Source: Andritz Group

“On February 12, 2025, the cornerstone was laid for one of the largest production plants for green hydrogen in the whole of Europe.

[Beginning in] 2026, the plant will generate around 9,000 tons of green hydrogen a year to be used for the production of carbon-reduced steel. This will mark the start of the industrial use of hydrogen in SALCOS®-Salzgitter low CO2 steelmaking. SALCOS® is aiming for virtually carbon-free steel production. The 100 MW electrolysis plant will be supplied on an EPC basis by the international technology company ANDRITZ, using the pressurized alkaline electrolysis technology of HydrogenPro.”

READ MORE: “SALCOS®: Cornerstone Laid for the Production of Green Hydrogen” at heat-processing.com

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News from Abroad: Growth Via Innovation

/ MANUFACTURING HEAT TREAT NEWS

The growth we’re reporting on in today’s News from Abroad installment is not just about expansions but also modernization and innovation. Read about a continuous galvanizing and annealing line for a Turkish automaker, a new 190-ton EAF set to be one of the largest installations in the world, a next-generation anode furnace to meet sustainability targets, and for reducing CO2 emissions, improving impurity removal capabilities and bringing flexibility in treating secondary materials, and the installation and commissioning of new hot edge inductors for its cold mill rolling line (S5) to address the tight edge issues in aluminum strip that occurred during high-speed rolling.

Heat Treat Today partners with two international publications to deliver the latest news, tech tips, and cutting-edge articles that will serve our audience — manufacturers with in-house heat treat. Furnaces International, a Quartz Business Media publication, primarily serves the English-speaking globe, and heat processing. a Vulkan-Verlag GmbHa publication, serves mostly the European and Asian heat treat markets.

Turkish Auto Maker Expands with Continuous Galvanizing/Annealing Line

View of the Borçelik site

“Turkish steel manufacturer Borçelik has selected international technology group ANDRITZ to supply a combi-line furnace for a new continuous galvanizing and annealing line to produce automotive material. The line will be part of a new cold strip mill complex to be built in Bursa, Gemlik, region. It will supply hot-dip galvanized strip for automotive exposed panels as well as uncoated strip. Start-up at Borçelik is scheduled for the third quarter of 2026. The ANDRITZ scope of supply includes a radiant-tube furnace with annealing and soaking sections and a mixed soaking/slow cooling section followed by ANDRITZ Differential Rapid Jet Cooling.”

READ MORE: “ANDRITZ To Supply Combi-line Furnace to Borçelik, Türkiye” – at heat-processing.com.

Next-Gen Anode Furnace Targets Reduction in CO2 Emissions

Metso’s modernized Anode Furnace

“Metso is launching a next-generation Anode Furnace for reducing CO2 emissions, improving impurity removal capabilities and bringing flexibility in treating secondary materials. The upgraded Anode Furnace features the latest design, advances in process safety, and ease of maintenance. Furthermore, it presents two exciting methods for reducing CO2 emissions. The Anode Furnace delivery scope consists of all key equipment required for operating the furnace. Metso’s holistic competence in smelter process optimization and integration of automation systems ensures that the furnace will be seamlessly integrated into the processing chain in both brownfield and greenfield applications. When combined with services and on-site support, a smooth commissioning and start-up is ensured.”

READ MORE: “Metso Launches Modernized Anode Furnace With Improved Impurity Removal and Innovative Reductant Options To Reduce Emissions” at heatprocessing.com. 

190-Ton EAF Under Construction at SSAB

Oxelösund, where SSAB’s new 190-ton EAF will be installed

“Swedish steelmaker SSAB has chosen plant supplier SMS group for the construction of a new 190-ton EAF, which is set to be one of the largest installations in the world with an upper shell diameter of 9.3 metres. The new EAF, located in Oxelösund, has its first heat scheduled for the fourth quarter of 2026 and will lower total CO2 emissions in Sweden by 3%, say the companies. Powered by a 280 MVA transformer, the EAF will also utilize technology to meet the limitations imposed by the grid authority in terms of flicker, power factor, and harmonic distortion. SSAB has also entrusted SMS group with the integration of a direct feed (DF) system from GE Vernova to be fitted in the new furnace at Oxelösund. The technology aims to ensure the new EAF operates smoothly and efficiently without disrupting the grid, thereby contributing to the reduction of CO2 emissions.”

READ MORE: “SSAB contracts SMS group to build 190-ton EAF“ at furnaces-international.com.

Hot Edge Inductors for Cold Mill Rolling Line Installed

Hot edge inductors installed by Primetals Technologies at Hulamin’s cold mill rolling line (S5) in Pietermaritzburg, South Africa

“Primetals Technologies have signed the final acceptance certificate (FAC) with aluminum producer Hulamin following the installation and commissioning of new hot edge inductors for its cold mill rolling line (S5) in Pietermaritzburg, South Africa. This upgrade aims to address the tight edge issues in aluminum strip that occurred during high-speed rolling, leading to improved product quality. The moving induction heating head assembly has been installed on the exit side of the mill, below the exit delivery table. These assemblies are positioned close to the roll surface, just outside of the strip width, effectively counteracting the thermal camber that causes tight edge issues during high-speed rolling. The hot edge inductors have resolved the tight edge issues by providing additional heat to the work roll at the strip edge, expanding the roll and alleviating tight edges. This has led to better control of the strip edge shape. The aluminum producer has observed noticeable improvements in the on-line strip shape performance and continue to further optimise and refine the use of these actuators in its rolling programme.”

READ MORE: “Implemented Hot-Edge Inductors at Hulamin” at furnaces-international. 

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Steelmaker Orders Key Furnace Equipment to Produce Advanced High Strength Steels for Auto Industry

/ AUTOMOTIVE HEAT TREAT, AUTOMOTIVE HEAT TREAT NEWS, FEATURED NEWS

A U.S. steel producer recently purchased key process equipment for the existing continuous galvanizing line (CGL) at its Columbus, Mississippi, plant.

Steel Dynamics Inc., based in Fort Wayne, Indiana, plans to modify its current CGL#1 to produce advanced high strength steels (AHSS) for the automotive industry.

ANDRITZ, an international technology group providing plants, systems, equipment, and services for various industries, will supply engineering and delivery of a new direct-fired furnace (DFF), new differential rapid jet cooling (DRJC), and after pot coolers (APC). The project will be implemented during the fourth quarter of 2020.

The ANDRITZ delivery also includes the supply of model-predictive advanced furnace control (AFC) for the complete furnace sections as well as automation and electrical equipment and supervision of erection and commissioning.

 

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A Dozen Quick Heat Treat News Items to Keep You Current

/ FEATURED NEWS, HEAT TREAT NEWS INDUSTRIES

A Dozen Quick Heat Treat News Items to Keep You Current

Heat Treat Today offers News Chatter, a feature highlighting representative moves, transactions, and kudos from around the industry.

Personnel and Company Chatter

  • Joyce Paliganoff (Midwest RSE), Patrick Heiser (Southeast RSE), and Larry Gomez (West/Northwest RSE) were recently hired by Ipsen USA as part of an initiative to double the number of Regional Sales Engineers (RSEs) by year-end.
  • A $9M investment provides needed space for capacity increases for Mercury Marine, which recently opened its 23,500 square foot expansion to its diecasting facility, where the company will manufacture complex blocks, driveshafts, and gearcases for Mercury outboards. In addition, Mercury will add another 4,500-ton die-cast machine giving the company two of the largest of its kind in North America.
  • SPIROL employees, company executives, board members, state representatives, and other honored guests gathered to celebrate the completion of the major expansion to SPIROL’s world headquarters and largest global manufacturing facility located in Northeastern Connecticut.
  • Digital manufacturing company, Protolabs has launched production capabilities for its metal 3D printing service. The new capabilities use secondary processes to improve the strength, dimensional accuracy, and cosmetic appearance of metal parts.

Equipment Chatter

  • A manufacturer in the automotive industry recently purchased an electrically heated enhanced duty walk-in series oven from Wisconsin Oven Corporation. The batch oven will be used for pre-heating racks of plastic parts prior to painting.
  • A leading supplier of high-quality automotive parts commissioned a Brinell hardness testing specialist for a second bespoke system for the intricate inspection of automotive suspension components. The challenge that Foundrax faced was that the hardness test location as specified by the car manufacturer was in an extremely tight space, hemmed in on three sides by vertical sections and almost no test area to work with. As many of these parts are hollow, there is no other position which would be strong enough to allow for a reliable test.
  • A retort box furnace was shipped and installed at the facility of an aerospace components manufacturer based in the southern U.S by L&L Special Furnace Co., Inc. The furnace is used to de-binder ceramic matrix composite components deployed in the aircraft industry. The main function of the furnace is to remove all organics and other materials used in the product prior to placing it in a high-fire vacuum chamber. This de-bindering process is extremely important and allows for a finished product that is not only very strong but also lightweight.
  • No. 824 is a 500°F (260°C), modified universal oven from Grieve, currently used for housing a vertical conveyor system at the customer’s facility. Grieve also shipped No. 797, a 260°F (127°C), clean room cabinet oven, to be used for drying coating on printed circuit boards at the customer’s facility. 
  • Qinghai Zhuofeng New Material Co., Ltd, based in China, recently received shipment of two continuous annealing and processing lines, each with an annual capacity of 110,000 tons, from technology Group ANDRITZ.

Kudos Chatter

  • In 1986, Dave Strand was hired by Wisconsin Oven Corporation as a shop worker. In 2019, he retires as President & CEO of Thermal Product Solutions, LLC, the parent company of Wisconsin Oven. Dave Strand has dedicated 33 years to the continued growth of Wisconsin Oven Corporation.

    Dave Strand 
  • During the HEAT TREAT 2019 conference, Fluxtrol Inc., in conjunction with the ASM Heat Treating Society, will be recognizing and awarding academic researchers and young scientists in the field of thermal processing. Two Fluxtrol/ASM awards will be given, the “Prof. Valentin S. Nemkov Academic Research Award,” and the “Fluxtrol Student Research Award”.
  • In an effort to continually improve the workplace environment for all Employee-Owners, the Pelican Wire leadership team recently announced a new, comprehensive “Paid Family Leave” benefit. This expanded paid-leave benefit includes maternity/paternity leave and leave for primary caregivers of immediate family members with a serious health condition requiring
    full-time care.

Heat Treat Today is pleased to join in the announcements of growth and achievement throughout the industry by highlighting them here on our News Chatter page. Please send any information you feel may be of interest to manufacturers with in-house heat treat departments especially in the aerospace, automotive, medical, and energy sectors to the editor at editor@heattreattoday.com

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