Japan JFE Special Steel Medium Plate Production Technology
Introduction
JFE Special Steel Co., Ltd. is a world leader in the production of medium and thick steel plates. JFE Special Steel began domestic production of medium and thick steel plates in the mid-1960s and began production of steel plates larger than 30mm in thickness in 1970. It has been consistent in its pursuit of the highest quality, with the best production technology and facilities as well as strong quality assurance system.
In order to manufacture high-quality medium and thick steel plates, JFE Special Steel has always sought to innovate production processes, improve production technology and materials, and incorporate the latest technologies into steel production. This article discusses the history, production process and key technologies related to JFE Special Steel’s manufacturing of medium and thick steel plates.
History
JFE Special Steel Co., Ltd (JFE) was established in February 1966 as the first Japanese steel-making company to specialize in the production of special steel, a field until then dominated by steelmakers in the world. Originally established as a public company, it later changed its status to a wholly-owned subsidiary of JFE Holdings in 2003.
In April 1966, JFE opened its Osaka bay and steel plant and assembled its first blast furnace, marking a major milestone in the history of Japanese steel production. The plant was equipped with an open-hearth furnace, a steel converter and a continuous casting facility. This made it possible to produce high quality special steel, an important revolution in the manufacture and use of steel in Japan.
At first, JFE’s emphasis was on producing stainless steel and other alloyed steel, but during the 1970s it gradually shifted to the production of medium-thickness and thick steel plates, which had been traditionally imported from overseas. In 1970, JFE started domestic production of steel plates 30mm thick or greater. This marked the beginning of JFE’s participation in the global market for steel plates.
In 1985, JFE became the first Japanese steelmaker to develop a steel plate production technology of rolling at speeds higher than the conventional rolling speed. This enabled it to offer the highest quality medium and thick steel plates to the global market, and since then it has seen steady growth and enhanced its production capability.
Production Process
The production of medium and thick plates is a complex process, and JFE Special Steel emphasises increasing the manufacturing efficiency and production quality at all stages.
JFE begins the production process by selecting the raw materials which are necessary for producing the required grade, composition and size. The materials are then heated in a blast furnace or an electric furnace. Once the steel material is melted, it is cast into ingots. These ingots are reheated in preparation for rolling in a continuous strip mill, and then hot rolled in the finishing mill to form the desired shape and dimensions.
The steel plate is then cooled in a cooling bed, and heat treatment such as normalizing or tempering is carried out depending on the type and grade of steel. Once the heat treatment process is complete, the steel plate is sent through a series of quality inspections and tests, the results of which are recorded and filed. Finally, the steel plate is cut to the desired length and sent for delivery to the customer.
Key Technologies
JFE Special Steel has developed a variety of production technologies for the production of medium and thick steel plates. These technologies have enabled the company to produce consistently high-quality steel plates for global markets.
To optimize the production process, JFE Special Steel has adopted a variety of technologies and systems. The shared process control system ensures that all critical equipment and production stages are monitored and operated efficiently and safely. The steel grades are accurately identified using a steel grade identifying system, and process variables such as roll force, roll gap, and rolling speed are fully automated.
JFE Special Steel has also adopted a continuous casting process to help improve the efficiency of plate production and reduce production cost. The process allows steel ingots to be cast in a continuous manner, and the resulting plates are of uniform composition and structure.
Conclusion
JFE Special Steel is one of the world’s leading suppliers of medium and thick steel plates, and has developed a wide range of production technologies and processes to ensure the highest quality of its steel plates. From selecting the required raw materials to heat treatment, testing and delivery, JFE Special Steel has implemented a variety of technologies to automate and improve every stage of the production process. With its advanced production methods and superior steel products, JFE Special Steel is sure to remain a leader in the production of medium and thick steel plates for many years to come.
