In recent years, Alleima’s strategy has focused on expanding its portfolio to include more highly alloyed nickel grades for both bar and tubular products. Extensive research and development efforts have resulted in a new platform for high alloyed nickel grades, with Alleima’s new products, Sanicro® 625 and Sanicro® 925, receiving positive market feedback.
Alleima currently operates three VAR furnaces at its production site in Sandviken, Sweden. The addition of a new furnace will enable Alleima to meet the growing demand for remelted materials in high nickel and stainless steel.
“Material innovation and technology leadership is a fundamental part of the Alleima strategy and development work. This investment enables us to further leverage and capitalize on ongoing advancements in material development. Increased remelting capacity will support growth in several of our strategic segments,” says Carl von Schantz, President Tube division.
Vacuum remelted materials are used in medical applications such as orthopedic implants, bone screws, and other trauma fixation devices. The aerospace industry also utilizes these remelted grades for airframe components, including flat tracks, landing gears, and various structural elements in aircraft.
Sanicro® 625 is a highly versatile grade with applications across many industries, while Sanicro® 925 is a specialized grade primarily used in the oil and gas industry for its ability to withstand demanding environments.
“The VAR furnaces are key assets for Alleima to deliver high value products that are required in segments like Aerospace, Medical, and Oil & Gas. VAR is a secondary melting process, where ingots are remelted under vacuum conditions, enabling high purity and chemistry control to meet the end-user requirements for material properties in very demanding applications,” says Sofia Hansson, President Business Unit Tube Europe, Middle East, and Africa (EMEA).
Last year, Alleima announced the acquisition of Söderfors Steel’s production facility, which added capabilities in hot rolling small diameter bars and profiles, expanding the offering of advanced materials for the medical and aerospace segments. The new VAR furnace will further strengthen deliveries to these segments.
The furnace will be installed onsite during the summer production stop in 2025 and will begin production at the start of autumn.
