MMK expands its range of high value-added metal products

The emergence of new metal products with unique quality properties became possible thanks to the implementation by Kama-Trade Tatarstan (a PSEDA resident in Naberezhnye Chelny) of the project for the construction of a service metalworking center (SMC) Brandsteel with a capacity of 240 thousand tons per year. This project was implemented with the active support and assistance of PJSC MMK. Magnitka is also the main partner of the newly opened SMC, which will provide services for the further processing of Magnitogorsk metal for MMK. The plant is interested in improving the consumer properties of hot-rolled steel and in meeting the growing requirements of consumers for the surface quality (color, appearance) of finished products, growing from year to year. Now MMK has the opportunity to supply existing and potential customers (primarily to the automotive industry) a new type of rolled metal with high added value, which has no analogues in the Russian market. The revolutionary technology for processing thick sheet metal EPS - Eco Pickled Surface ( eco-etched surfaces). This technology has no analogues in Russia and Europe. An alternative to EPS technology is the hydrochloric or sulfuric acid pickling operation traditionally used in metallurgical plants. Unlike acid pickling, EPS is a mechanical process that uses corner steel shot and water with a corrosion inhibitor circulated in a system for reuse, and is environmentally friendly as it does not require the use of hazardous chemicals like conventional pickling. At the same time, a higher surface quality is provided during descaling, the absence of surface hardening with a guarantee of safety from corrosion after cleaning for up to six months without oiling (subject to storage conditions). This means no solvents are required to remove oil prior to painting. In fact, EPS creates a new surface with descaling removed. This new surface is free from such undesirable phenomena as pits, rust or silicon streaks and etching, which are often found on etched and oiled materials. Information and Public Relations Department of PJSC MMK