On December 1st, Anyang Steel's Zhoukou production base achieved a significant breakthrough by successfully casting an ultra-thick slab measuring 460mm, overcoming key technical barriers in super-thick plate production.

This milestone represents a historic leap in process control capability, moving from incremental improvement to a qualitative transformation. The core challenge of a 460mm slab is not merely increased size but ensuring uniform internal quality and performance throughout its massive cross-section, especially at the core. Compared to conventional 260mm or 320mm slabs, the slower cooling rate at the core of a 460mm slab makes it prone to defects like centerline segregation and porosity.

"The key metric for ultra-thick slabs is no longer just surface strength, but consistent mechanical properties from the surface to the very core," explained an engineer from the Steelmaking Department. "This is a deep dive into the internal 'waters' of steel quality."

To secure this achievement, the Steelmaking Department optimized the entire process—from smelting and refining to continuous casting. This involved deeper pre-treatment of hot metal, more precise secondary refining to reduce harmful elements and inclusions, and intelligent control of the casting process via secondary cooling models and stable casting speeds. The successful production of the 460mm slab significantly enhances the base's competitiveness in the heavy equipment steel market and marks a new milestone in its pursuit of advanced steel materials.