SSAB launches Laser Plus steels

SSAB has developed a new generation of steels for laser cutting designed to meet the most challenging requirements in automated production environments.

Robert Wesdijk, Product Group Manager, Hot Rolled Strip Products, Western Europe, at SSAB said: “The dead flat process gives optimum flatness and minimum internal stress, which allows us to guarantee a maximum deviation of 3 mm/m after laser cutting Laser Plus. The flatness tests on Laser Plus show unique results. Strict thickness tolerances and constant mechanical properties for each and every delivery result in trouble-free production. In addition, the smooth surface quality of Laser Plus steel guarantees a higher cutting speed and first-class surface quality of the cut edge. Cutting complex and high precision components and narrow contours can be done without rework. This actually takes steels intended for laser cutting to a new dimension”.

The production process of Laser Plus steels results in a surface that is covered with a thin micro scale. This enables extremely efficient laser, water, and plasma cutting. The quality of the cut edge remains excellent, even up to a thickness of 30 mm. SSAB guarantees inner bending radius of 0-1.5 x the material thickness, depending on strength level in combination with thickness, and is available both as heavy plates and hot-rolled strip products.

The product has been developed in close cooperation with laser cutting system manufacturers, end users, distribution partners and Ruukki, who merged with SSAB in July 2014.