The American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI) recently received its first royalties from sales of the Hot Strip Mill Model (HSMM). The model is one of several commercially licensed technologies developed under AISI’s Advanced Process Control program, a collaborative effort among steelmakers and the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) to put breakthrough technologies on the plant floor.

HSMM is an off-line, PC-based model that simulates the complete hot rolling process for a variety of steel grades and products, and forecasts final microstructure and properties, allowing the user to achieve a deeper insight into operations while optimizing product properties. The model has been used for several years by steel companies, which helped develop the technology, prior to its commercial release.

“Successful delivery of HSMM technology via our commercial partners, such as Integ Process Group, helps promote economic development by creating high paying professional jobs while enhancing the competitiveness of the steel industry” said Andrew G. Sharkey III, President and CEO of AISI. “This further demonstrates how the Metals Initiative multiplies and accelerates delivery of technology to the shop floor.”

Integ Process Group, AISI’s licensee for the HSMM, recently recorded sales of HSMM technology to Nucor Steel–Decatur, Iscor-Saldanha Bay (South Africa) and Lloyds Steel (India). Additional sales are anticipated by year’s end. The government and steel industry partners use royalties received from HSMM commercialization to repay their investments in the development of this technology.

AISI’s collaborative research programs between the steel industry and the DOE bring together stakeholders from across the country for the purpose of developing next generation steelmaking technology, reducing energy consumption in the steel industry and in downstream industries (such as automotive), while improving the environment.

AISI serves as the voice of the North American steel industry in the public policy arena and advances the case for steel in the marketplace as the preferred material of choice. AISI also plays a lead role in the development and application of new steels and steelmaking technology. AISI is comprised of 31 member companies, including integrated and electric furnace steelmakers, and 118 associate and affiliate members who are suppliers to or customers of the steel industry.