JFE Steel Develops New High Grade Structural Plate, Square Column

JFE Steel announced on Thursday the firm developed high grade structural TMCP (thermo-mechanical control process) steel plate of 590N per square millimeter class, HBL440. HBL440 is steel plate with 19-50 millimeters thick which enables shorter lead time and better weldability. JFE Steel also developed cold-press formed square steel column with 590N/mm2 class, G440, in cooperation with Japanese top press column maker, Seikeicolumn. Both of HBL440 and G440 were authorized by Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport & Tourism in March. JFE Steel tries to supply the products for skyscrapers and large-scale buildings.

HBL440 is most suitable for build-up H-beam and cold formed columns such as press column. JFE Steel utilizes Super-OLAC (On-Line Accelerated Cooling) facilities which can eliminate multistage heat processing during the production processes and contribute to shorter lead time. The delivery lead time is 2 weeks shorter than 2-3 months of conventional high-grade structural TMCP steel plates from order acceptance to shipment.

Another advantage is that HBL440 requires no pre-heat process before welding. The users can save pre-heating and related preparing time. Better weldability of HBL440 also contributes to robot welding of G440 under normal temperature.