Steel Making
Steel making, or the process of refining raw materials into steel, is one of the most important steps in manufacturing any product or device containing steel. In short, steel making can be divided into two parts, and a variety of different techniques for each.
The first part of steel making involves smelting and refining ore. This process begins with the extraction of iron ore from the ground, which is then blended with other materials, including coal, forged under intense heat. The intense heat needed for smelting and refining is created by a blast furnace or an electric arc furnace, which use very high temperatures to remove impurities from the ore before they become part of the steel.
Once the ore has been refined, the second part of the steel making process can be completed, which involves further refining and processing the refined steel into its final form. This involves a variety of different techniques, including rolling, annealing, forming, and the addition of various chemical agents to the steel. Rolling is a process during which steel is rolled and stretched in order to create the desired shape, followed by annealing, which often involves cooling the steel using water or oil. Then, the steel is formed and either hot or cold working can be done in order to tailor its properties. Lastly, chemical agents can be added to the steel in order to change its properties, such as strength and hardness, or reduce its size or weight.
Steel making has come a long way since its early days, and it is still being constantly improved and refined. New techniques such as vacuum arc remelting and direct chill casting have been recently developed, which make the process of steel making much faster and more efficient. By understanding the basic steps of steel making and how steel is produced, it is possible to better understand and engage in the process to create a product or device containing steel.
