The future of modern steel

The future of modern steel is marked by challenges. However, since the mass production of steel, which began in 1854, steel has maintained its popularity as a building material.

There are a number of reasons for this, from the variety of shapes it can be formed into, to its strength and relatively low weight compared to other materials.

But how has it evolved since its invention?

Steel is an alloy, mainly, of iron and a small amount of carbon. Depending on the quality and type of steel, it may also have other elements such as chromium, manganese or nickel.

Various additives give the end metal special properties such as increased hardness, corrosion resistance and much more. This flexibility has allowed steel to continue to adapt and be refined over the centuries. Also, to maintain its place as the most used metal in the world.

The modern steel industry is inseparable from the Second Industrial Revolution of the nineteenth century. This industry evolved from simple production in small furnaces to new technologies, such as the Bessemer process (developed in England in 1854) that contributed to the mass production of steel. Thus, the steel industry spread throughout Europe and the United States of America.

THE FUTURE OF MODERN STEEL

Steel has been around for a long time. However, more than 75% of the types of steel we use today have only been developed in the last two to three decades.

The process is now much less driven by human labor and more dependent on technology. Major advancements in the industry are fueled by technology.

Important steps have been taken in reducing the amount of energy needed for production. Since 1990, the industry has seen a 32% reduction in energy consumption and a 37% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions.

Occupational safety has also been greatly improved due to technological advancements.

PERSPECTIVES

What does the future of steel hold for us?

It’s hard to say. The industry is facing significant challenges. But it has also demonstrated a remarkable ability to adapt and change with the times.

After the disruptions caused by Covid, the steel industry went through several economic crises in 2022. It has faced an explosion in energy prices and even the closure of some steel mills. And 2023 does not show any improvement.

One thing is certain: the next few years will be crucial for the steel sector.

Massively used in construction, infrastructure, automobiles or household appliances, steel is also indispensable for the construction of wind farms, photovoltaic parks or future hydrogen or CO2 transport networks.

„All the renewable energy projects that we are considering and that we will put into practice consume more and more steel. For example, wind power plants are large consumers of steel. There is no sign that we will be able to give up steel, there is no other product to replace it,” says Marcel Genet, a steel expert and founder of the consulting firm Laplace Conseil.

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On the www.h-metal.ro site you can find several categories of metallurgical products grouped into the following categories: pipe; Rolled; Beam; laminated and stamped profiles.

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