Fives and Vardhman deploy billet reheating furnace in India
New walking beam furnace improves heating quality, reduces emissions and supports local production of special steels for automotive applications.
www.fivesgroup.com
Vardhman Special Steels and Fives have commissioned a walking beam reheating furnace at a steel plant in Ludhiana, enabling improved billet heating performance for downstream rolling operations. The installation supports the production of special and alloy steel grades used in automotive manufacturing, where consistent material properties and surface quality are critical. Transition to controlled billet heating The new Stein Digit@l Furnace® replaces or supplements existing reheating capabilities, addressing limitations in temperature uniformity, oxidation losses, and emissions. Billet reheating is a key step before rolling, where temperature consistency directly affects metallurgical properties and dimensional accuracy. The furnace has a capacity of 45 tonnes per hour and enables controlled heating profiles, ensuring uniform temperature distribution across billets prior to processing. Combustion optimization and emission reduction The system is equipped with AdvanTek® burners designed to optimize combustion efficiency. These burners regulate fuel-air mixing and flame characteristics to achieve stable thermal conditions while minimizing nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions. Improved combustion control reduces scale formation on billet surfaces, lowering material losses and improving yield in subsequent rolling processes. Commissioning and operational ramp-up The first hot billet was discharged on March 14, 2026, marking the transition from installation to operational phase. Initial operation demonstrates stable furnace performance, with commissioning activities focused on fine-tuning process parameters. Ongoing efforts include increasing throughput, stabilizing continuous operation, and aligning furnace output with rolling mill requirements. Impact on steel production and supply chain The upgraded reheating capability enables Vardhman Special Steels to produce higher-value steel grades domestically, reducing dependence on imported materials. Improved process control supports consistent quality required for automotive components such as shafts, gears, and fasteners. Enhanced efficiency and reduced material losses contribute to lower production costs and improved competitiveness in both domestic and export markets. Role in industrial process modernization The implementation of digitally controlled furnace technology demonstrates the role of advanced thermal processing in steel manufacturing. By integrating combustion optimization, process control, and high-capacity operation, the system supports both productivity and environmental performance targets. The collaboration between Vardhman Special Steels and Fives illustrates how furnace modernization can improve process efficiency and material quality in steel production for automotive applications. Edited by Natania Lyngdoh, Induportals Editor — Adapted by AI. www.fivesgroup.com
