TECHNOLOGICAL FEATURES OF SMELTING AND CASTING OF NEWGENERATION HIGH-MANGANESE STEELS
Procesi littâ, 2025, Vol 3 (161), 12-22
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.15407/plit2025.03.012Keywords:
smelting of high-manganese steels, manganese alloying, alloying materials, steel casting technology, casting fluxesAbstract
The article analyzes technological problems related to producing new-generation TWIP/TRIP highstrength, high-manganese steels with a manganese content of up to 35 %. The article notes that the high cost of alloying, certain technological difficulties, and insufficient manganese absorption during smelting pose serious challenges to the commercial production of these steels. The main
alloying problems are discussed, particularly those related to manganese losses, correcting the silicon content, ensuring the required carbon concentration, and maintaining the optimal slag composition during smelting. Particular attention is paid to the selection and efficiency of various alloying materials, depending on their chemical composition, as well as the influence of the technological process. The use of specialized ferroalloys with an adjusted Mn/Si ratio of at least 8 and reduced phosphorus content of no more than 0.05 % is substantiated. Alternative technological approaches to alloying are considered, such as melting ferroalloys directly in the melting unit or introducing them into the ladle (particularly in ladle-furnace units), using direct reduction products, and methods involving the preliminary melting of alloying materials. We analyzed the experience of global manufacturers in developing technologies for casting new-generation, high-manganese steels, from classic schemes involving casting into ingots and electroslag remelting, to modern continuous casting processes, such as Twin-Roll Casting and Belt Casting Technology. The analysis considers the physical and chemical characteristics of the crystallization of this type of steel and the problems encountered during casting. It is concluded that improving high-manganese steel smelting technologies should focus on optimizing the selection of raw materials, forming effective slag, and adapting casting schemes to the steel’s complex chemical composition.
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