Production processes of special steel: VAR Remelting

VAR remelting is distinguished by its ability to remove dissolved gases and impurities from the steel, resulting in a material with a low content of inclusions and traces of unwanted elements such as Arsenic (As), Antimony (Sb), and Tin (Sn). Thanks to this process, Ultraclean® steels stand out for their high level of purity. The remelting takes place in a water-cooled copper crucible, where a vacuum is created to ensure the elimination of impurities.

During VAR remelting, the steel electrode is melted by applying a potential difference between the electrode and the mold. The heat generated melts the steel into droplets, which release gases and impurities into the vacuum atmosphere. This method does not involve the use of slag, making it ideal for producing Ultraclean® steels with optimal purity and fatigue resistance characteristics.

VAR remelting is essential for producing steels intended for critical sectors such as medical, aerospace, and energy. Often, to achieve the best mechanical and chemical properties, Ultraclean® material undergoes multiple remelting processes using different technologies, combining the advantages of each method.

The VAR remelting technology represents a significant advancement in the production of high-purity special steel such as Ultraclean ®. Thanks to the elimination of impurities and the creation of a homogeneous material, this process ensures that the produced steels are ideal for the most demanding applications. The Deutsche Edelstahlwerke (DEW) steelworks, which we represent, continue to innovate and provide superior quality steels through advanced technologies like VAR remelting.