On November 29, 2024, Masteel made a significant breakthrough in steel manufacturing with the successful production of a heavy-duty H-beam measuring 500×500×25×25mm. After more than a month of intensive effort, the production line rolled out the low-alloy steel beam, meeting the stringent performance indicators and dimensional accuracy requirements. This achievement marks Masteel as the first company in China and the fourth in the world capable of producing such a large flange heavy-duty H-beam, a feat that positions the company as a leader in advanced steel production.
The 500×500mm heavy-duty H-beam is primarily used in critical infrastructure such as high-rise buildings, railway bridges, terminals, and marine engineering projects. This type of beam is considered a "star" product in the realm of H-beams due to its versatility and strong market prospects. Notably, the 500×500mm H-beam has been absent from the domestic section steel market, and its introduction is expected to replace the commonly used 400×400mm H-beam, thereby creating substantial growth opportunities in the market.
Masteel’s journey towards this milestone began in 2020 when the company launched China’s first heavy-duty H-beam production line. Since then, the line has been used to produce ultra-wide and ultra-thick hot-rolled H-beams, with Masteel developing more than 200 unique products. The company has consistently maintained its leadership position in the high-end profile products sector, pushing the boundaries of what is achievable in steel manufacturing.
The development of the large flange heavy-duty H-beam was not without its challenges. According to Zhang Wenman, Chief Engineer of Masteel’s Section Steel Process, the beam exceeded the original design limits of the production line. Increasing the flange size by just 1mm under these constraints posed considerable difficulty, but the Masteel team was determined to push the limits further. The new product's flange size increased by 25mm compared to the previous maximum, a significant achievement that required the company to innovate and adapt its equipment and production techniques.
The real challenge came in achieving the necessary dimensional accuracy. Producing such large-sized products tested the limits of the rolling mill’s vertical roll equipment. Any miscalculation could result in production accidents, including steel stacking or misalignment. To address this, Masteel’s section team undertook extensive simulations and calculations to ensure the rolling process would meet the target dimensions. The team also redesigned the assembly parameters of the guide guard to ensure smooth entry and exit of the rolled parts, mitigating potential accuracy issues during the manufacturing process.
In addition to overcoming technical hurdles, Masteel utilized its existing resources efficiently to achieve the desired outcome. By using the BB5 section continuous casting billet as raw material, the company maximized the potential of its existing rolling line equipment. Despite the limitations, the team reengineered the rolling procedures, successfully breaking through the depth value gap in the mill’s rolling process. This clever adaptation of the existing infrastructure ensured that the new product’s dimensions met the target specifications.
Currently, Masteel is capable of producing the 500×500mm heavy-duty H-beam in small batches. The company’s next steps include refining the production process and striving to secure orders for the new product. Masteel is confident that mass production will soon begin, as the demand for high-end steel products continues to rise in the market. This breakthrough is a key part of Masteel’s strategy to meet the growing demand for advanced steel in critical infrastructure projects across the globe.
With this new achievement, Masteel has not only expanded its product offerings but also reinforced its position as a global leader in steel manufacturing. As the company continues to innovate and adapt, it is poised to meet the needs of an increasingly demanding market, ensuring that it remains at the forefront of the steel industry for years to come.
