JFE Steel Transfers JAZ Technology to ThyssenKrupp

JFE Steel announced on Tuesday the firm completed the technology transfer of high lubrication galvannealed steel sheet, JFE Advanced Zinc (JAZ) to German largest steel maker, ThyssenKrupp Steel as a part of the alliance. JFE Steel established the supply system in Japan, Europe and China when the firm already provided the technology to Guangzhou JFE Steel Sheet (GJSS). ThyssenKrupp Steel starts the commercial operation soon at the newly introduced JAZ treatment facility at no.4 continuous galvanizing line in Duisburg, Germany. The treatment capacity is around 30,000 tonnes per month. Automakers need more high lubrication galvannealed steel sheet as corrosion resistant sheet for outer panel due to the better press processability and wider options for design. JAZ has better performance due to the nano level of surface control technology for better lubrication with press mold while traditional high lubrication sheet is made by treating with electro galvanizing, phosphate and metallic salt. JAZ has less environmental impact due to free of phosphate and heavy metals while JAZ can be make by controlling surface property with smaller investment for existing facilities worldwide. JFE Steel produces just more than 20,000 tonnes per month of JAZ to supply mainly for automotive outer panel due to the better formability. The application is getting wider to inner panel materials after the firm launched JAZ in 2006.