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By Antonio Augusto Gorni, Kenji Camey, José Herbert Dolabela da Silveira

Recently several studies have been developed on the use of microalloyed steels with low Mn content (below 1%) in the controlled rolling of heavy plates for the manufacture of pipes. However, this novel concept of alloy has peculiarities in its thermomechanical processing. Lower Mn contents should lead to the acceleration of NbCN precipitation kinetics during rolling, leading to a reduction in the soluble Nb content in austenite that delays its recrystallization by drag effect. This fact, plus the heavy and fast passes applied under virtually isothermal conditions in a heavy plate rolling mill with high power, increases the risk of partial recrystallization during the finishing stage of the controlled rolling, since strain hardening of austenite becomes significant and the interaction between precipitation and recrystallization is increasingly delayed. The objective of this study was to analyze the evolution of mean flow stress during the finishing stage of controlled rolling in these low Mn, high Nb microalloyed steels, in order to better understand the metallurgical mechanisms acting during this process and identify conditions that allow full compliance with the requirements of this product class.

Oct 1, 2019

By Charles Sóstenes Assunção

A mathematical model of heat transfer and solidification for a continuous casting of round billets was developed. The water flux density of the secondary cooling zone was experimentally measured, using an apparatus in industrial scale with two types of nozzles, flat jet and full cone jet. The profiles of water distribution were applied on the mathematical model. The results showed that the water distribution is not uniform in both longitudinal and angular directions owing to the unevenness of the spray and to the curvature effect of the round billet. This non-uniformity causes important variation of the heat transfer coefficients and superficial temperature of the billet, especially in the first cooling zones, where the temperature is higher. The mathematical model was used to simulate a change of nozzle type in the first cooling zone. The results showed that the heat flux and superficial temperature variations were reduced with a full cone jet nozzle in comparison with the flat jet nozzles.

Aug 16, 2017

By Darina Manova

Plasma assisted surface modification methods have been used to nitride stainless steels in order to enhance hardness and therefore the lifetime of industrial components. Nevertheless, the corrosion resistance is not always preserved since it is very sensitive to the process parameters, either in implantation or in thermochemical diffusion techniques. AISI 316L stainless steel was plasma nitrided using three different techniques: Low Energy Ion Implantation (LEII), Plasma Immersion Implantation (PI3) and conventional DC pulsed plasma nitriding (DCPN). For each method several parameters were tested and some of them were selected to achieve the so called S phase of about 3 µm thickness and no nitrides precipitation. The nitrided layer was characterized with OM and SEM. Hardness was assessed on the surface with Vickers indenter and 25 g load. XRD was performed to characterize the S phase and to detect other phases if present and electrochemical corrosion tests were carried out in 3.5% NaCl solution. Although the S phase thickness in the three groups of samples was comparable, hardness was not and neither was the corrosion resistance. The PI3 samples were the hardest with the best performance in corrosion experiments, resulting in a higher breakdown potential and lower currents.

Aug 8, 2018

By Karl Berger

Today we are talking about Industry 4.0, as the latest revolution of industrial processes and progress, considering that the steam engine (Industry 1.0), railways and cars, mass production in the 1920th (2.0), Industrial Automation (3.0), and finally integrated manufacturing, integrated communication, and internet (4.0) can be seen as the state-of-the-art situation in industry, nowadays. Similar to the Industry progress, we can approach the rolling process of material, which started about 150 years ago in a very basic way. Steam engine- and belt driven-mills were very operators’ intensive, brutal and risky to operate. Mechanical improvements brought throughput, safety and quantity, as also quality of the products. The rolling of steel, in particular of rails, beams, rebar, strip (focus in this paper) and plate has enabled the large scale transport and travel, the building of bridges and buildings, the manufacturing of ships and cars. From single stands to continuous rolling trains the production and quality of mills increased significantly. From ingots and blooms to slabs, we have to admit a big jump in which has changed the face of the world significantly. Thin Slab Rolling has revolutionized the output and the throughput of rolling mills (Generation 3.0 to 5.0). Finally, Endless Rolling, has boosted the quality and quantity of rolling mill processes and permitted nowadays to enter in market niches which were not thinkable a decade ago. Mastering the automation and applying reliable systems (mechanical and electronically) of drives, actuators and sensors, as also communication and information interchange to all levels of automation are the success factors of such complex mills, we call herein after “Rolling Mills of Generation 6.0”.

Aug 16, 2017

By Maycon de Almeida Gomes

Fiber reinforced polymeric composites have received widespread attention in the past four decades because of their high specific strength and modulus. In particular, research works have disclosed the potential advantages associated with the use of lignocellulosic fibers as the reinforcing phase in polymer composites (2-3). Among various natural fibers, pineapple leaf fibers exhibit excellent mechanical properties. The main chemical constituents of pineapple fibers are cellulose (70–82%), lignin (5- 12%) and ash (1.1%). The superior mechanical properties of pineapple leaf fibers are associated with their high cellulose content (6). This work aims to make the analysis of the Izod impact energy against volume fraction of palf fibers of epoxy composites reinforced with PALF. The fibers were incorporated into the epoxy matrix with volume fraction from 0 to 30%. After fracture the specimens were macro photograph analyzed.

Aug 16, 2017

By Stefan Stein, Jorge Davo, Adrian Villanueva, Abhay Kulkarni, Shane Hoff

Pellet sizing plays a key role in the productivity of the entire pelletization and subsequent induration processes, whereas uneven pellet sizing can increase the circulating load of the balling circuit inducing operational instability leading to production loses. The present work focuses in comparing the agglomeration kinetics, expressed as the number of pellets produced in a determined target size range, of different organic binder-bentonite binder systems. The batch experimental results show that the binder system has a great influence in the resulting pellet sizing, which could lead to advantages in terms of balling circuit efficiency and eventually operational de-bottlenecking.

Oct 1, 2019

By Eduardo Côrtes de Castro

O presente trabalho aplica o modelo de análise de capacitação tecnológica desenvolvido por Figueiredo (2001) para definir um método de aumento de competências e melhoria de performance numa unidade de prestação de serviços da Companhia Siderúrgica Nacional, a gerência de oficina de cilindros de laminação. A utilização deste método permitiu o aumento da capacitação técnica da unidade, através dos processos de aprendizagem subjacentes, e a melhoria de performance, medida por indicadores chave de desempenho relevantes para o resultado da empresa (qualidade, custo, atendimento e produtividade da mão de obra). São apresentados, além dos resultados, a estrutura analítica do modelo proposto e as evidências associadas às capacidades tecnológicas acumuladas e aos processos de aprendizagem.

Oct 30, 2017

By Caroline Gomes de Oliveira

A busca por materiais que atendam as demandas ambientais que vem surgindo com o passar dos anos abre um importante mercado para a aplicação de fibras naturais. Além de biodegradáveis e provenientes de fontes renováveis, as fibras naturais possibilitam a produção de materiais compósitos de baixa densidade e com boas propriedades mecânicas. Para aumentar ainda mais essas propriedades, estuda-se o uso de tecidos de fibra natural em vez das fibras alinhas. As principais vantagens desta nova configuração são o reforço em mais de uma direção ao mesmo tempo e o fato de serem mais compactos, viabilizando a incorporação de uma fração maior de material de reforço. O presente trabalho investigou a resistência ao impacto de compósitos de matriz poliéster reforçados com tecido puro de rami, que é uma das fibras lignocellusosicas mais resistentes encontradas até hoje. Os corpos de prova foram reforçados com 1, 2 e 3 camadas de tecido e foram ensaiados num pêndulo de impacto Izod. Concluiu-se com base nos resultados que o aumento da fração volumétrica de tecido aumenta a resistência ao impacto dos compósitos.

Aug 17, 2017

By Nathanael Wagner Sales Morais

Os aços maraging tem grande importância tecnológica devido sua aplicação nas industrias aeroespacial e nuclear. Uma das aplicações para esse material é a fabricação de cilindros de alta resistência pelo processo de estampagem profunda, logo o conhecimento da textura cristalográfica torna-se fundamental. Este trabalho investigou o efeito da laminação à frio seguida por um recozimento sobre a microestrutura, textura e anisotropia plástica no aço maraging 350. A anisotropia foi medida pelo cálculo dos coeficientes de Lankford e dos coeficientes de anisotropia normal (Rm) e planar (?R). Os resultados mostraram o aumento na deformação a frio gera um aumento na intensidade da fibra acompanhada de um aumento no valor de Rm. As análises metalográficas mostram que maiores reduções induzem à um precipitação intermetálica após o recozimento.

Aug 8, 2018

By Hormando Leocadio, CWM van der Geld, Julio Cesar Passos

Impinging water jets promote high heat flux extraction rate. Steel industry widely employs the process for accurate temperature control to improve the microstructure and to ensure adequate mechanical properties. The range of surface temperatures, heat fluxes and cooling rates are very large, which makes it important to obtain an accurate value of the heat transfer coefficient. This paper presents an experimental and numerical study of the heat transfer behavior of a high temperature (450°C - 900°C) steel plate cooled by a water jet at 20°C to 70°C. High-speed imaging (up to 20,000 fps) within water jet impingement zone allowed the characterization of the boiling regimes in the early stages of cooling. The effects of initial temperature, water jet temperature and velocity on the heat transfer coefficient were analyzed by inverse heat conduction method that predicts the heat flux and temperature on the top surface from temperatures measured with thermocouples inserted in test plate. Heat transfer is strongly affected by the initial temperature of the hot steel, water jet temperature and, less intensely, by jet velocity. High cooling rates start when liquid water is in direct contact with surface temperatures above 700°C.The results will contribute to the enhancement of the temperature cooling control on the runout table and cooling model employed at Usiminas Hot Strip Mill.

Oct 1, 2019

By Anna Carolina Cerqueira Neves

Synthetic fiber has been gradually replaced by natural fiber, such as lignocellulosic fiber. In comparison with synthetic fiber, natural fiber has shown economic and environmental advantages. The natural fiber presents interfacial characteristics with polymeric matrices that favor a high impact energy absorption by the composite structure. However, until now little has been evaluated about the hemp fiber incorporated in polymeric matrices. This study has the purpose of evaluate the impact resistance of this kind of epoxy matrix composite reinforced with different percentages of hemp fibers. The impact resistance has substantially increased the relative amount of hemp fiber incorporated as reinforcement in the composite. This performance was associated with the difficulty of rupture imposed by the fibers resulting from the interaction of hemp fiber / epoxy matrix that helps absorb the impact energy.

Aug 16, 2017

By Natália de Oliveira Roque Maciel

Nos últimos anos, especialmente fibras naturais extraídos de plantas lignocelulósico, ganharam atenção devido ao seu desempenho como engenharia de reforço compósito polímero. Por exemplo, as fibras lignocelulósicas extraídos a partir das folhas da planta curauá (Ananas acutifolius) exibir um potencial de reforço devido à sua relativamente alta resistência. As fibras, entre 0 a 30% em volume de, foram misturados com resina de poliéster sob pressão num molde metálico, e curada à temperatura ambiente durante 24 horas. Este trabalho procura avaliar a resistência ao impacto deste tipo de matriz de epóxi fibra de reforço. A resistência ao impacto aumentado substancialmente com a quantidade relativa de fibras de curauá reforço do compósito. Este desempenho foi associada com a resistência imposta pelas fibras e o comportamento de propagação da fissura

Aug 17, 2017

By Peter Grawenhof

Universal joint shafts and slipper spindles are commonly used in rolling mills to compensate the design- and process-related offset between the motors and work rolls. Although both types of shafts exhibit on the same kinematic principle, there are basic differences regarding the design concepts. These differences become noticeable on many levels and may become very distinct in terms of Life-Cycle-Costs (LCC). In this respect, a critical comparison between universal joint shafts and slipper spindles can be made.

Aug 16, 2017

By Anna Carolina Cerqueira Neves

As fibras sintéticas vêm sendo gradualmente substituídas por fibras naturais. Em comparação com a fibra sintética, fibra natural demonstrou vantagens econômicas e ambientais. Visto que apresenta características interfaciais com matrizes poliméricas que favorecem a absorção de energia de alto impacto pela estrutura. No entanto, até agora pouco foi avaliado sobre a fibra de cânhamo incorporada em matrizes poliméricas. Este estudo tem o objetivo de avaliar a resistência ao impacto deste tipo de compósito com matriz de poliéster reforçada com diferentes porcentagens de fibras de cânhamo. A resistência ao impacto aumenta proporcionalmente com a quantidade relativa de fibras incorporadas como reforço na matriz polimérica. Este desempenho foi relacionado com a dificuldade de ruptura imposta pelas fibras, resultante da interação da matriz de fibra de cânhamo / poliéster de forma a ajudar a absorção da energia de impacto.

Aug 17, 2017

By Jesse Paegle

Um grande esforço foi realizado por diversas empresas, visando à melhoria de nosso parque industrial e, nos últimos 10 anos, o nível de investimento no setor foi importante. Este cenário, fez com que novas tecnologias surgissem por aqui, facilitando ao corpo técnico avançar com soluções mais eficazes para carroçarias. A disponibilidade local de todos os estágios da cadeia produtiva, desde a matéria-prima, até a adequação das linhas de manufatura das montadoras, afasta o efeito da variação cambial. A ideia que ficou impregnada no mercado brasileiro, é que novos materiais e tecnologias são caros para nossa região. O que não é verdade. Estudos de caso realizados antes de 2005, incluíam no preço, taxas de câmbio e internação, pois consideravam o produto importado. Com a localização este custo extra reduz. Ações governamentais atuam, hora incentivando localizações, hora definindo objetivos de emissões e segurança. O programa INOVAR AUTO estabelece algumas metas importantes de emissões, percentual de localização e promove o P&D local. Todos estes ingredientes têm auxiliado no aumento da utilização de AHSS (Advanced High Strength Steel) nas estruturas veiculares. Usando os aços de alta resistência como base, temos um crescimento significativo. Em 2001 não passavam de 2% das carrocerias. Em 2008 chegaram a importantes 8%. Atualmente, estão próximo dos 15%.

Aug 17, 2017

By Rogério Martins Pereira, Charles Pierri de Souza, Lucas Gabriel Correa

The Tandem Cold Mill is composed by stands with rolls positioned so that the rolling force can be transmitted to the strip being processed. Due to the mechanical stresses inherent in the process, the roll bearings are heated and are equipped with lubrication and cooling systems. Nevertheless, there is the challenge of continuously monitoring the temperature of the bearings, which would allow preventive intervention in case of overheating. This paper presents an in-house solution to temperature measuring system applied to the backup roll bearings of a continuous Tandem Cold Mill. The system uses Zigbee technology and is integrated with the main control system, allowing early diagnosis of bearing heating and proper intervention. Results and features of the system are discussed.

Oct 1, 2019

By Giuseppe Pintaude

This study aims to evaluate the effect of specimen preparation on the dry sliding wear behavior of CA-6 NM stainless steel. Two different surface finishing manufacturing processes were applied: lapping and metallographic polishing. The wear tests were conducted in reciprocating ball-on-flat system, performed for two loads: 5 or 8 N. For all test conditions, hardmetal ball was employed as counterbody. The surfaces were evaluated using 3D interferometry technique to determine their surface roughness, including texture analysis regarding isotropy. Surface characterization results indicated the presence of texturing and preferential orientation, since the parameter Str was smaller than 0.5 for samples of both the studied conditions. Two distinct levels of isotropy evaluated through Str parameter were achieved: 0.13 for lapping and 0.3 for metallographic polishing process. It is clear from wear tests that the variation of average surface roughness is the key point for tribological behavior of CA-6 NM stainless steel.

Jul 31, 2018

By Gigliola Salerno

The carbon-epoxy composite has high specific resistance and strength, which means specific applications. However, its behavior under compressive stress could be decreased by delamination, needing more detailed studies. The main purpose of the present work is to verify the mechanical properties in bending process considering two different fiber orientations. The composite materials were made by woven fibers and epoxy resin. Primarily, the carbon fiber fabrics suffered a superficial physical treatment called silanization, in order to developing a better chemical adhesion between fibers and resin. After the superficial treatment, the layers were embedded with epoxy resin. The composite resin’s cure was made in a Fanem heater, model 320, during 1 hour at 120°C at 1.5 bar; subsequently the specimens were cut by water jet. Specimens oriented in 0°/90° and 0°/90°/45 were manufactured and taken to bending tests, accordingly to the ASTM E855 and D790 standards, in an universal testing machine MTS – Material Test System, full capacity of 250 kN. It was concluded that all specimens failed by tension. Specimens with internal void volumes results in lower flexural modulus and those with presence of fracture mechanisms, like delamination, showed lower strength values. Scanning Electronic Microscopy demonstrated the damages involved during bending process.

Oct 30, 2017

By Jean Igor Margem

Materiais sustentáveis estão sendo investigados para substituir os materiais sintéticos, os compósitos com matriz polimérica têm sido aplicados em componentes, tais como capacetes e blindagem para os quais a resistência em um requisito importante. O presente trabalho avalia a classificação energética de impacto Charpy e Izod da matriz de epóxi compósitos DGEBA / TETA, reforçado com até 30% em volume de fibras de malva contínuas e alinhadas (Urena Lobata, L). Os testes de impacto foram realizados em amostras padronizadas em matriz de epoxi obtidas por aplicação de pressão em molde com cura a temperatura ambiente por 24 horas. Os resultados mostraram aumento significativo da energia de impacto com a fracção de fibras incorporadas de malva. A superfície de fratura foi analisada por microscopia eletrônica de varredura, SEM. O desempenho das amostras incorporados com 30% de fibras, sofreu apenas ruptura parcial devido a dificuldades impostas ao quebrar-se as fibras, e, consequentemente, a natureza dos quais fendas tendem a propagar na interface entre a matriz de fibra / resina epóxi, o que ajuda a absorver a energia do impacto.

Aug 17, 2017

By Markus Reifferscheid

Industry 4.0, Digitalization, Internet of Things (IoT) and Cloud Computing are predominant topics in the world economy at the moment. At the ABM week 2017 Dr. Markus Reifferscheid, Head of Research & Development of SMS-group, will talk about the proceeding digitalization in the steel industry with selected examples of SMS-group. He will present advanced concepts and solutions which are currently being developed.

Oct 30, 2017