AIST Steel Intern Scholarship
Victoria M. Rambo
This past summer I had the opportunity to work in the primary end, the melt shop, at SSAB Special Steels, Mobile in Ala., USA. I have previously worked in their quench and temper department for branded products as a co-op student during the summer of 2022. This new area of the mill gave me the opportunity to really experience the continuous casting process of slabs compared to my previous experience of processing steel plates. Not only did I build great connections with engineers in my field, but also with operations who opened so many opportunities other co-op students might not have had before. I had the experience to go inside the “machine,” the caster mold, to see the caster segments from an inside perspective, and to stand inside of a furnace shell for an EAF.
During my time at SSAB, I studied the effect of cast speeds for various cast widths and its impact on slab solidification for centerline segregation. During solidification, crystal formation occurs, resulting in steel morphology, and segregates are non-uniformities within the chemical composition. These segregates, as well as possible inclusions, will migrate toward the middle of the slab. The formation of these segregates and inclusions could result in gaps or internal cracks in the center of the steel. Steel grades, such as material for pipe, could crack and result in serious accidents for welders or manufacturers. Cast speed can help aid in near-free centerline segregation for quality steel if optimized.
Outside of this project, I had the opportunity to attend a Safety Guidelines Specialty program to learn how to operate a forklift and other heavy machinery. Safety is SSAB’s top priority and they encourage everyone to look out for one another to prevent someone from getting hurt. This was important because it gave me insight into the blind spots that operators have when operating this equipment. When operators use equipment like forklifts to move material, they cannot see directly in front of them. This training encouraged everyone to stop and look around before going where they need to go inside of the mill. Other equipment I got to use was a boom lift and even a skid-steer!
I really enjoyed the professional relationships I got to make and the experience to learn more about the steel industry during my time at SSAB. The experience I have gotten from two internships made me appreciate the industry’s support of students’ desire to get hands-on experience made for a truly unique career and field I want to become a part of.