JFE Steel to Expand New Cr Series Stainless Item

JFE Steel targets monthly 6,000 tonnes of shipment for JFE443CT, which is the original chrome series stainless steel developed in 2005, by fiscal 2008 ending March 2009 from current 1,000 tonnes. The firm tries to expand the market share as substitute of SUS304 grade stainless under extra high price of nickel series stainless steel. Japanese chrome series stainless steel demand increases by 20% due to higher price for nickel series stainless recently. The firm already shipped more than 1,000 of sample shipments for JFE443CT and gets more inquiries from users for the new product. The firm targets mainly for applications of construction materials and industrial machinery for JFE443CT. The firm tries to increase the chrome series stainless share in domestic stainless steel market by expanding sales of the new product along with replacement from traditional chrome series stainless. Some users still persist on nonmagnetism of nickel series stainless. However, JFE Steel appeals the merits of chrome series stainless including induction heating pan example that JFE443CT enables a layer bottom while SUS304 needs more than 3 layers bottom with other metal to improve electromagnetic heating and heat conductive. The firm tries to develop JFE443CT as the main stainless item by marketing for other applications including automobile, household kitchen and appliances. JFE443CT without nickel and molybdenum contains 21% chrome and small portion of copper and titanium. The product has better deep drawing, same corrosion resistance and fewer hardening after process compared with SUS304.