On November 18, 2024, Anshan Iron and Steel Group (Ansteel) successfully produced the first roll of non-grain oriented (NGO) electrical steel on the new ACL® continuous processing line for annealing and coating. This was installed by Tenova LOI Thermprocess as part of Ansteel's energy project. Tenova LOI Thermprocess is a leading supplier of industrial furnace systems for heat treatment and melting of metals and is part of Tenova, a provider of sustainable solutions for the green transition in the metals industry.
This event marks an important milestone for the Ansteel Group as it signals the completion of the coverage of all electrical steel grades in Ansteel's silicon steel division. With the new processing plant, Ansteel is able to produce highly efficient NGO electrical steel for electric vehicles. This is characterized by extremely thin material thicknesses, high magnetization density and low material losses and positions the company in the top class of the industry.
Innovative ACL® annealing furnace from Tenova LOI Thermprocess
The ACL® annealing furnace from Tenova LOI Thermprocess has been specially developed for NGO electrical steel strip. Key features include:
- High annealing temperatures: the furnace supports process gases with high hydrogen content and enables high strip processing speeds.
- Advanced cooling systems: These ensure low cooling rates and uniform cooling across the entire strip width - crucial for high-quality NGO electrical steel strip, especially for electric vehicles.
- Modern process gas concept: Different furnace sections can be operated with different process gas combinations.
In addition, intelligent mathematical models are integrated into the furnace control system to meet the highest requirements for accuracy and stability during strip annealing.
A green path to industrialization
The successful completion of this complex project - the first production line of its kind in north-east China - enables the Ansteel Group to establish itself as a global player in the field of sustainable steel production. The new production line helps to promote a green and sustainable path to industrialization.
