A metallurgical route to produce S700MC/Grade100 steel on a hot strip mill has beendeveloped at ArcelorMittal Europe, based on laboratory simulations and industrial trials.The importance of ThermoMechanically Controlled Processing (TMCP) has been illustrated,mainly to optimize the low temperature toughness. Furthermore, it has been shown that theoptimum combination of strength and low temperature toughness can be found throughoptimization of the transformation and the precipitation. The concept developed shows agood robustness against typical industrial process variations.The steel shows a goodweldability using typical MAG welding parameters, without loss in strength and a goodtoughness. The high cycle fatigue performance of the steel is very good.

A new technology for lubricating the work rolls during hot rolling has been successfullytested in the finishing mill of ArcelorMittal Dunkirk. This new technology allows sprayingvery low quantities of pure oil on the work rolls to reduce the rolling forces by up to20% and with an increased efficiency of 50% compared with emulsions. The lubricant was apure natural oil without any additives.