Development of Microalloyed Steels Through Thin Slab Casting and Rolling (TSCR) Route

Thin slab casting and rolling (TSCR) route of hot rolled strip production is identified with certain hurdles in the processing of microalloyed steels of different levels of strength. First of all, precipitates formed during casting may undergo partial dissolution in tunnel furnace, leaving the valuable microalloying elements out of solution prior to commencement of hot rolling. Secondly, difficulty in complete recrystallization may lead to microstructural inhomogeneity in the form of mixed grain structures which is detrimental to strip performance. Such difficulties are not typically encountered in conventional casting and hot rolling of thick slabs. This paper summarizes the studies of various researchers about microalloying behaviour during production of strips through TSCR route. Along with this, the experiences of developing microalloyed steels of different strength levels through TSCR route of TATA Steel, Jamshedpur have been discussed.