Processing of niobium microalloyed API grade steel on a thin slab plant

The use of thin slab casting and direct rolling is well suited for the production of niobium microalloyed low-carbon high strength linepipe grades. The slabs have excellent surface quality. Thermomechanical processing by controlling hot work hardening and softening processes of austenite and its polymorphic transformation into ferrite results in a powerful microstructure refinement. This is a sound basis for setting high strength, combined with excellent ductility and toughness.