SEDL / STP / STP987-EB / STP26247S

Ladle Refining: An Integral Part of Bearing Steel Manufacture

Davies, IG
Technical director, Stocksbridge Engineering Steels, Sheffield,

Clarke, MA
Manager, Metallurgical Development, Stocksbridge Engineering Steels, Sheffield,

Dulieu, D
Manager, Alloy Steel Department, Swinden Laboratories, British Steel Corporation, Rotherham,

Pages: 15    Published: Jan 1988

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Abstract

The entire bearing steel output of Stocksbridge Engineering Steels is produced through a ladle furnace route which encompasses the major process elements necessary for the achievement of high product-cleanliness levels. The equipment and process routes involved are described, together with the vacuum arc remelting capability and its associated, high-integrity ultrasonic inspection unit. Improvements in steel cleanliness achievable with these manufacturing facilities have been assessed in terms of lower oxygen levels, better microcleanliness, and higher fatigue lives.