Outokumpu Stainless AB awarded SMS Siemag a contract for the supply of a heat-treatment line for stainless steel plates. This expansion will allow the Outokumpu Stainless works in Degerfors, Sweden, to boost its production of heat-treated plates and improve product quality. The new equipment will start operation in 2013. SMS Siemag's supply includes two heat-treatment furnaces, a roller quench, and the electrical and automation equipment for these facilities, plus the integration of the heat-treatment line into the upstream and downstream operations.                

The two heat-treatment furnaces will be specifically tailored to the wide product portfolio of Outokumpu Stainless. The furnaces will be capable of heat treating plates with a maximum length of 16 meters. The maximum annealing temperature will be above 1200°C (2192°F). The furnaces will be designed to meet the latest environmental requirements with a special focus on low-NOx emissions. The new roller quench is capable of cooling two plates at a time and independently of each other.