2. Low-carbon stainless steel production

2.1 Production processes

In recent years, stainless steel production processes have benefited from numerous improvements. Today, electric arc furnaces and electric induction crucible furnaces are systematically used for melting and pre-refining cast steels, and have definitively supplanted all other processes. In order to achieve low carbon and residual element contents, as well as excellent micrographic cleanliness, some companies have equipped themselves with secondary metallurgy facilities, enabling them to carry out highly advanced refining.

Crucible induction furnaces are often used in the production of stainless steels. Due to their design, conventional refining operations are difficult to perform in this type of furnace. They are regarded as simple melting...