Open / Close Advertisement

ArcelorMittal Inaugurates Prototype Vacuum Plasma Coating Line

01/25/2008 - ArcelorMittal inaugurates Arceo, its industrial prototype for a breakthrough vacuum-plasma steel coating line in Belgium.

ArcelorMittal has inaugurated Arceo, its industrial prototype for a vacuum-plasma steel coating line located in Liège, Belgium. According to the company, this breakthrough technology will open up a host of new uses for flat steel products.
 
Developed as a world-first by the Group’s Research and Development in partnership with the Walloon Region, the process results in steel that can be used as a sensor, a reflector, a source of light, an anti-bacterial or self-cleaning surface. The process can also result in steel products that are more aesthetic or more highly anti-corrosive.
 
After successfully developing the first investment phase, Christophe Cornier, EVP Flat Carbon Western Europe, announced the launch of a second phase specifically devoted to increasing the anti-corrosive properties of steel.
 
“ArcelorMittal can be proud of its faith in this project,” commented Cornier. “Developments so far have proved that the process is robust and respectful of the environment. Several tests are currently being carried out for clients interested in the process. With Arceo, ArcelorMittal will transform the future of steel, opening up new horizons for it.”
 
The environmentally friendly vacuum plasma process does not use solvents or chemical preparations, nor does it generate effluents or gases that require treatment. The process also enables the production of environmentally friendly products that allow for sustainable development.
 
“We are very happy to see that this project initiated within our research centers is becoming an industrial success,” said Greg Ludkovsky, Vice President Research and Development.
 
ArcelorMittal is the world's largest steel company, with 320,000 employees in more than 60 countries. The company leads a number of major global markets, including automotive, construction, household appliances and packaging, with leading R&D and technology, as well as sizeable captive supplies of raw materials and outstanding distribution networks. An industrial presence in 27 European, Asian, African and American countries exposes the company to key steel markets, from emerging to mature, positions it will be looking to develop in the high-growth Chinese and Indian markets.
 
ArcelorMittal’s key pro forma financials for 2006 show combined revenues of USD 88.6 billion, with a crude steel production of 118 million tonnes, representing around 10% of world steel output.