Vanadium
strengthens steel with minor (micro) additions to the steel chemistry.
Electric
arc furnace technology is energy efficient and thrives on recycled scrap
steel, which is abundant in the United States. This is half of domestic
production and in many states.
Vanadium
binds nitrogen introduced in the arc furnace melting and is trapped in
subsequent freezing (solidification) of the steel. Vanadium offsets the
otherwise deleterious effects of nitrogen in steel.
Continuous
casting solidifies the vanadium microalloyed steel uniformly and quickly
while providing a steady stream of feedstock for rolled products.
Continuous
thermal processing and rolling economically transforms the continuously
cast feedstock into useful product forms ready for steel construction,
stamping, rolling, or any other manufacturing process required of the U.S.
Army and its supply chains.