OREANDA-NEWS. August 31, 2011. Since this year, the production and sales of duplex stainless Steel of Baosteel have increased dramatically under the collaborative mode of different divisions and production lines in Baosteel Co., Ltd. From January to July, the sales of duplex stainless Steel are more than twice that of the last year. And the adoption in the following industries has been achieved: petrochemical industry, desalination industry, hydroelectric industry, etc., reported the press-centre of Baosteel.     

Although duplex stainless steel is the most high-end and difficult product in the field of stainless steel production, it has strong profitability. And due to its high strength and great corrosion resistance, it has been widely used in the industries such as oil and gas, petrochemical, architecture, desalination, chemicals and shipping. The annual consumption of duplex steel is about 60,000 tons in China. As the production is extremely difficult, more than 80% products are imported.

Last year, Baosteel achieved the first successful mass production of duplex stainless steel. The products have been adopted in the key parts of the passenger train of Bombardier. Based on the demands of users, the team for production, sales and research was composed of Special Steel Business Unit, Stainless Steel Technical Center of Institute, Stainless Steel Business Unit, Plants of Baosteel Co., Ltd, Baosteel International, etc. The technical breakthrough was carried out jointly, and many difficult contract orders were completed. The sales of duplex stainless steel had a sharp rise. The products have covered almost all the varieties and specifications of medium plates and coils. Therefore, Baosteel has become one of the few enterprises, which can manufacture the duplex stainless steel in large scale in China.

At the beginning of this year, a manufacturer for papermaking equipment placed a big order for 600 tons of duplex stainless steel. Thereof, there are some overwide and overweight varieties of stainless steel. Special Steel Business Unit and Heavy Plate Department cooperated to connect the information flow and logistics and organize the production with the fastest speed. The user's orders were completed on time with good quality and sufficient quantity. Currently, the user has become Baosteel's strategic user of duplex stainless steel.

In February of this year, the domestic largest manufacturer of stainless steel composite panel placed an order. Thereof, the thickness of one coil product is only 3mm, which exceeds the production capacity of 1780 rolling mill of Stainless Steel Business Unit. So they asked 1880 rolling mill line for help. After the communication between the the technical staff of the two lines, the coils in limit size were manufactured successfully at the trail. The plate shape and edge cracks control have reached a high level.