Stainless steel scrap undergoes a process known as electric arc furnace (EAF) melting to be melted. To begin, the scrap is sorted and cleaned to eliminate any impurities like dirt, oil, or other metals. Subsequently, the cleaned scrap is loaded into a sizable furnace that is lined with refractory material designed to withstand high temperatures.
Next, graphite electrodes are inserted into the furnace to create an electric arc by passing an electric current through them. The intense heat produced by the electric arc melts the scrap, transforming it into a liquid state. To ensure complete melting, the temperature inside the furnace can reach up to 3,000 degrees Celsius (5,400 degrees Fahrenheit).
Throughout the melting process, fluxes are introduced to the molten metal. These fluxes serve to eliminate any remaining impurities and enhance the quality of the stainless steel. Acting as a chemical agent, the fluxes react with the impurities, resulting in the formation of slag. The slag floats on top of the molten metal and is later removed.
Once the desired quality and composition of the molten stainless steel are attained, the liquid metal is withdrawn from the furnace and poured into either a ladle or a continuous casting machine, depending on the intended application. From there, it can undergo further processing to take on various forms like ingots, billets, or slabs. These forms can be utilized in the manufacture of a wide range of stainless steel products.
Stainless steel scrap is melted through a process called electric arc furnace (EAF) melting. In this method, the scrap is first sorted and cleaned to remove any impurities such as dirt, oil, or other metals. Once cleaned, the scrap is charged into a large furnace, which is lined with refractory material to withstand high temperatures.
An electric arc is then created by passing an electric current through graphite electrodes that are inserted into the furnace. The intense heat generated by the electric arc melts the scrap, turning it into a liquid state. The temperature inside the furnace can reach up to 3,000 degrees Celsius (5,400 degrees Fahrenheit) to ensure complete melting.
During the melting process, fluxes are added to the molten metal to remove any remaining impurities and to improve the quality of the stainless steel. Fluxes act as a chemical agent, reacting with the impurities and forming slag, which floats on top of the molten metal and is later removed.
Once the desired quality and composition of the molten stainless steel are achieved, the liquid metal is tapped from the furnace and poured into a ladle or a continuous casting machine, depending on the intended use. From there, it can be further processed into various forms such as ingots, billets, or slabs, which can be used for manufacturing a wide range of stainless steel products.
Stainless steel scrap is typically melted using electric arc furnaces or induction furnaces, where the scrap is exposed to intense heat generated by an electric current. This heat causes the scrap to melt, allowing impurities and unwanted elements to separate from the molten stainless steel. Once melted, the stainless steel can be further processed and used in various applications.
