Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Stainless Steel September 2010
Stainless Steel September 2010
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CONSUMPTION
RECOVERS
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September 2010
CONTENTS
STATE OF THE INDUSTRY
REGULARS
3
22
26
30
32
Perspective
A message from Sassdas Chairman, Sampie Van Rooyen
Q&A
Welding questions with Damian J Kotecki
Industry News
News and events from companies in the industry
Sassda News
News and events from the association
Personality Profile
We talk to Columbuss Charles Cammell
)2&8621
Consumption
African growth revives lackluster stainless steel
figures, according to latest market stats
Demand
Demand for stainless steel is still subdued
due to the recession, says Afrox
Solar Tanks
Kwikot is providing a solar water heating system
solution for the low-income market
PROFILES
ADVERTS
12
14
24
Columbus Stainless
The company strives to provide excellent service
Certification
Sassda programme facilitates ISO certification
for small- and medium-sized businesses
Lean Duplex
Columbus duplex range provides an alternative
to conventional austenitic stainless steel
Training
4
7
8
10
18
20
Columbus Stainless
Cronimet
Euro Steel Natal
Fischer
Kulungile Metals Group
Macsteel VRN
NDE
Rimex
September 2010
September 2010
PERSPECTIVE
&217$&786
Publisher
Editor
Sales
Photographs
Printers
Maverick Marketing
Melissa Rowlston
Tel: 011 483 0941
melissar@polka.co.za
Dalya Ketz
dalsrab@hotmail.com
Marc Rowlston
marc@pulpfilms.co.za
Goldfields Press
Tel: 011 627 7740
Fax: 011 627 7741
SASSDA
Acting Executive Director
Marketing and
Communications
Enterprise Develpment
Specialist
Market Intelligence
Mechanical Service
Regulatory Relations
External Relations
Sassda W Cape
Bernard Maguire
Yumna Emeran
Janelle Gravett
Lesley Mortimer
Diego Sella
Mayleen Kyster
Martin Nel
Michel Basson
focus on
CONSUMPTION
September 2010
focus on
DEMAND
focus on
SOLAR TANKS
Solar tank installers can recoup the costs of installation through the Department of Energy
focus on
CERTIFICATION
Sassda facilitates
ISO 9000 certificates for SMEs
Energy Engineered Products and
Multi Alloys were ISO 9000 certified
in December last year with the help
of Sassdas new company certification
scheme. The scheme was launched
in October 2008 and originally intended to provide members without ISO
9000 certification with basic quality
management system awareness and
an understanding of the underlying philosophy.
The proposed scheme was not
intended as a quality management system certification, but rather an informal
recognition of the participants capability and competence in the application of
best practices and a high code of ethics in the supply; design; specification;
construction; and installation of stainless
steel products.
There was little interest in the
scheme by fabricator sector members
because many of them already have,
or are in the process of obtaining, ISO
9000 certification, while others held
valid international certifications such as
ISO 3834; the PED Certification; ASME
Stamping; etc.
Sassda developed a specific
programme, aimed at small and medium enterprises (SMEs), particularly the
stockist and distributor sector, which intends to assist companies by providing
a stepping-stone to formal ISO 9000
certification.
Sassda aided Multi Alloys and
Energy Engineered Products with their
certification through a mini-audit, which
reviewed the status of the existing system. It transpired that both companies
were in the process of obtaining the ISO
9000 series certification. The formal
Sassda findings were addressed ahead
of the formal ISO audit. The end result
was a successful ISO 9000 certification
for both companies.
10
ISO CERTIFICATION facilitation programme is directed at small- and medium-sized stockists and distributors
Sassda helped us prepare
for the ISO audit, says Graham
Whitty of Energy Engineered Products.
The soft run outlined what we would
face at the audit as well as identifying
any areas of weakness. The feedback
from Diego Sella at Sassda was extremely helpful.
I would definitely recommend
that companies seeking their ISO 9000
series certification use this service at
Sassda, says Whitty.
Ken Perel of Multi Alloys echoed these sentiments: I would recommend this service. Sassda was able to
offer tremendous industry knowledge
with particular cognisance of SMEs.
The benefits of ISO certification are immense. Energy Engineered
September 2010
Products have passed a number of audits and been able to increase its customer base and new business thanks to
the Sassda accreditation, says Whitty.
The company has also been able to
improve the efficiency of its processes,
how it buys materials and how it operates strategically.
The benefits have also extended to our staff, says Whitty. People
enjoy working for a company that takes
quality seriously.
Prior to the launch, Sassda
had investigated the mechanism for
having the Sassda scheme accredited,
but discovered that this was not possible because the criteria against which
the companies would be evaluated
would have to be of a national or inter-
national standard.
Sassda would have to be assessed and accredited by SANAS in
terms of ISO 17021 as an accreditation/certification institution and the people involved in the actual evaluations
and audits would have to hold recognised and valid accreditations.
They also found that there is no
existing national or international standard that covered the rather modest criteria of the Sassda Company Certification
Scheme. In fact the ISO 9000 series
is inclusive of all existing international
quality and safety related systems.
If companies are interested in
having Sassda assist them with their ISO
certification, they can contact Diego
Sella at Sassda on 0861 72 7732.
11
company
PROFILE
(BBBEE) partner.
Other important drivers for the
consolidation were economies of scale,
unified purpose across the group and the
development of a strong and recognisable national brand.
Euro Steel believes that as market leaders it has an obligation to become the leading agent for change and
transformation. The new BBBEE partner,
headed up by Dr Zolile Maqetuka of the
Isitali consortium, has added considerable synergy to the union, not least as
a user of stainless steel. Importantly from
the outset, Euro Steels BBBEE transaction
was much more than the meeting of a
legal requirement or a moral obligation.
Maqetuka says: While empowerment deals are a step in the right
direction, they do not in themselves
achieve the ultimate purpose of the countrys transformation objectives. What we
need is a sustainable economy that meets
all our citizens needs and expectations.
Such an economy can only be achieved
THE KZN OFFICE is committed to providing the best service centre, with a zero defect goal
advertise their excellence in customer service and reliability, however, Euro Steels
track record of growth and position has
set us apart as the countrys pre-eminent
service provider, largely due to the skills
and experience of quality people we
have been fortunate enough to have attracted. Given the backdrop of an ever
shrinking skills pool this can make or
break any business, says Wilson.
Considerable emphasis is now
being placed on developing human
capital within the group, enabling employees to build worthwhile careers.
Wilson says: As transformation
is about much more than ownership, the
group has also focused on uplifting its
own employees and their families. It is
not sufficient to rely on a good management team. A company needs depth of
talent and skills and this is likely to be
our greatest challenge going forward.
Against South Africas dire skills shortage
Euro Steel is presently investing further
resources into training and development
of its people.
Euro Steels range of products
and services is extensive, including:
stainless steel and aluminium flat products such as plate sheet and coil, and
long products such as angle, flat and
round bar, wire, tubing, electrogalvaSeptember 2010
company
PROFILE
Columbus Stainless
an aerial view of the
Middelburg plant
Columbus produces
stainless steel for Africa & the world
Columbus Stainless, a member of the Acerinox Group, is one of the worlds
largest producers of stainless steel. With expanded production facilities over
the past few years, it is the only fully integrated stainless steel plant in Africa
and one of only two in the southern hemisphere.
The Acerinox Groups Excellence Plan focuses on customer service,
plant optimisation and working capital management. Every facet of the business is scutinised to ensure business improvement and competitiveness. The
company mission at Columbus Stainless is to be a globally competitive and
preferred supplier of stainless steel. The company therefore aligns its goals to
this mission.
Columbus Stainless continuously strives to improve competitiveness
to meet the challenges that the local and international stainless steel industry
faces.
Like all other manufacturing sectors, the international stainless steel
markets are equally affected by the weak and varied global economic situation. De-stocking, as a result of the credit crisis, has resulted in volatile
raw material prices, affecting normal supply and demand patterns. With
significant new stainless steel production capacity in China, the worlds largest importer has become a net exporter.
Charles Cammell, the senior commercial manager for the
local industry at Columbus, says: Central to our strategy is to develop the
local market, first in South Africa and then to the surrounding regions. The
key to the success of Columbus will be the strength and long term viability
of the South African domestic market. Our long term strategy as a company
is to provide competitive products to South African fabricators to ensure we
continue to grow local conversion of stainless steel and thereby sustain employment in the manufacturing industry.
South Africa is capable of supplying plant and equipment into the
burgeoning mining and energy sectors in neighbouring countries and other
developing areas on the continent. A large consumer group requiring domestic ware, food and beverage equipment and other stainless steel items is
also expected to develop in the coming years.
Although the current demand for stainless steel is under pressure,
Columbus remains committed to its strategy while facing the industry challenges. Selling product to end-user and project customers, building strong
relationships with our distributors, continually looking at how we can strengthen South Africas position in the global stainless industry, developing the use
of duplex and other new products and continued focus on value adding are
our core focus areas, says Cammell.
September 2010
15
focus on
LEAN DUPLEX
All values are maximum unless a range is indicated. The chemical composition requirements are according to both ASTM A240 and EN 10088-2
18
September 2010
19
focus on
TRAINING
Sassda companies
benefit from artisan programme
The FoodBev Seta may extend a memorandum of understanding with Sassda
for its highly successful apprentice programme that was initiated in 2008.
Sassda and the FoodBev Seta
entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) in 2008 whereby
Sassda member companies were able
to place their employees on a 2-year apprenticeship programme that is funded
by the FoodBev Seta.
Apprentices in the programme
must be in possession of a N2 certificate. The programme is targeted at apprentices who may have completed all
the theory related to the artisan trade,
but have very little practical experience
or alternatively have taken a trade test
and not passed.
If Sassda companies met the
criteria, they were able to sign up their
apprentices to take part in the Artisan
Training Programme. The Sassda member companies were paid R60 000 per
apprentice over the 2-year period. This
grant was paid by the FoodBev SETA in
3-month tranches.
An additional R12 000 was
available to the company once the
apprentice successfully passed their
trade test.
We are very pleased that
some of our member companies took
up this opportunity, says Sassdas Enterprise Development Specialist, Janelle
Gravett. To date eight apprentices in
both companies have gone through their
training and are due to take their tests in
the next 3 months.
As a result of the success of
this programme the FoodBev Seta has
indicated that it would like to extend
the MOU with Sassda for another two
years.
Sassda affiliated companies
can benefit from the programme as they
receive funding to pay for the appren20
welding
Q&A
with Damian J Kotecki
Question:
I understand that
a little ferrite in a nominally
austenitic stainless steel weld is
very helpful in preventing solidification cracking. But why
are there two measures percent ferrite and Ferrite Number? What is the difference?
Does it matter which I specify?
Answer: You are quite correct that a little
ferrite in a nominally austenitic stainless
steel weld metal, such as 308L or 316L,
is very helpful in preventing solidification cracking. So, of course, the various
organizations involved in provision of a
welding filler metal have a vested interest
in how the ferrite requirements for a weld
filler metal are specified. This has an important bearing on whether or not a given
lot of filler metal is accepted for use.
At least by the time of World
War II, the desirability of ferrite in nominally austenitic stainless steel welds, as
a means of preventing solidification
cracking, was recognized. The ferrite
was originally detected by metallographic examination. The weld metal
examined had to be cut into a specimen
suitable for polishing, etched carefully
to differentiate between ferrite and austenite, and then some means of determining the volume fraction of ferrite had
to be applied.
Most usually, this involved point
counting, in which a grid of orthogonal
intersecting lines would be overlaid on a
photograph of the microstructure. Then
the percent ferrite would be obtained
as the number of grid intersection points
falling on ferrite as a percentage of the
total number of grid intersection points.
The method of point counting to estimate volume percent of a given phase
is defined in the ASTM E 562 standard.
Manual point counting is laborious, but
the job can be automated by using an
image analyzing microscope, following
the method of ASTM E 1245.
A major drawback to point
counting is that it is a destructive test
22
STAINLESS STEEL WELDING can be problematic if you do not know how to prevent solidification cracking
perature. And for duplex ferritic-austenitic stainless steel weld metals such
as 2209, a specification range of 30
to 70 FN has been found to correlate
well with good corrosion resistance and
good mechanical properties.
The Welding Research Council, the International Institute of Welding,
and the ASME Code strongly recommend specification of ferrite in stainless
steel weld metals by Ferrite Number, not
by percent ferrite.
If you have any stainless steel questions, even if you
have the answers but feel they
will help the rest of the industry,
please send them through to
melissar@polka.co.za and our
technical desk will answer
them and run them in our new
Technical Column.
23
company
PROFILE
THE FIMI hot rolled cut to length line, which is capable of coping with coils of 2m wide and 6mm thick
September 2010
25
sassda
NEWS
SASSDA
PEMA
26
&/($1352'8&7
Sassda teams up with NCPC-SA
In 2009 the National
Cleaner Production Centre of South
Africa (NCPC-SA) through the
Metals Fabrication, Capital & Transport Equipment Sector approached
Sassda to establish a working
relationship to obtain buy-in and
support of the Cleaner Production
Programme.
Following the road show,
NCPC-SA has recruited the following companies who are interested in
Cleaner Production Assessments:
Fabrinox, Cape Town
Cape Stainless, Cape Town
Tenneco, Port Elizabeth
Metso ND Engineering, Durban
Elgin, Durban
Bohler Uddeholm Africa, Durban
Flexi Cast, Durban
NMC Exquisite, Durban
For more information contact The Metals Fabrication Sector
Project Manager, Ms Azwihangwisi
Takalani on (012) 841 2475 or
email ATakalani@csir.co.za
September 2010
sassda
AIRPORT
King Shaka International
Airport
The King Shaka International Airport has presented some
great opportunities for the stainless steel industry. Balustrading at
the airport was mainly supplied
in grade AISI 444 stainless steel,
which allowed the designers to
take advantage of its mechanical
and corrosive properties.
It was used in applications such as counters, bump rails,
flooring and stairways, which
will prove to be a cost effective
solution in these high-traffic areas
due to the minimal maintenance
requirements and practicality.
JEWELLERY
NEWS
Sassdas Jewellery Initiative
The Sassda Jewellery Initiative was formed
to address the low skills level of local communities in
order to create sustainable jobs.
During an economic summit held in the
Overberg region it was decided to assist a local
community in the region with manufacturing arts and
crafts from stainless steel and abalone shells. These
products are created with a definite local flavour and export potential.
Sassda aims to facilitate the engagement of academic institutions,
such as the Arts Department at the University of Stellenbosch and the Jewellery Department at Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT), local
business, members and relevant non-governmental organisations to create
a program that will deliver the necessary skills, designs, equipment and
knowledge to the local community.
Although the consumption of stainless steel in this project will be
low, the exposure to the alternative uses of stainless steel will contribute to
sustainable jobs in the region.
This is a great example of the stainless steel industry delivering
value to the South African community and promoting the national agenda of
mineral beneficiation.
sassda
EVENTS
LEGISLATION
8 September
Free IDC workshop, MSP Chambers, CT
9 September
IDC workshop, Kelway Hotel, PE
15 September
IDC workshop, The Albany, Durban
16 September
Golf Day, Irene Country Club, Pretoria
21 & 22 September
IDC workshop, IDC Head Office, JHB
October
Consumer Protection Act breakfast seminar
October 12, 13
Basic Stainless Steel Course, KZN
October 19
Columbus Mill Visit
October 19, 20, 21
Basic Stainless Steel Course, East London
28 October
Gauteng Sports Day, Glen Vista Club
4 November
End of Year Social Function, KZN
November 8, 9, 10
Basic Stainless Steel Course, Bellville
November 9, 10
Basic Stainless Steel Course, Richards Bay
11 November
End of Year Social Function, Cape Town
18 November
End of Year Social Function, PE
25 November
End of Year Social Function, JHB
28
NEWS
NEWS
Sassda Regional KZN head concludes his tenure
Sassda has announced that Ian Elsdon-Dew of the KwaZulu-Natal regional office has concluded his service with Sassda as of
1 July 2010.
Sassda will continue to serve the KwaZulu-Natal region
including its membership. In the meantime all queries should be referred
to the Sassdas head office in Johannesburg on 0861 727732 or
comms@sassda.co.za.
industry
MINOX
Reduction of duties
Minox Trading has applied to Itac for the reduction
of duties on stainless steel nuts
imported into South Africa.
This application has
been made on the basis that
there is no local manufacturer of
stainless steel nuts in South Africa
and would result in a more competitive stainless steel nut industry.
This
initiative
was
embarked
upon
almost two years ago and a
decision is imminent.
BOHLER
NEWS
Bohler Uddeholm Africa opens Austrian Welding Academy
Bohler Uddeholm Africa have opened a new welding training centre
in Isando, Johannesburg, offering a range of practical welding courses based
on international and local welding standards of both short- and medium-term
duration. Focused personal instruction by qualified, professional instructors ensure students benefit from detailed training standards.
The welding centre is supported by its founding members Bohler
Welding SA and Fronius International, world leaders in the design and manufacture welding equipment and consumables technology. The Austrian Development Agency has also played a key role in championing the vision of the
academy. As a result students benefit from the latest welding solution technology and the most widely-preferred welding processes and positions in local
and regional industry.
Safety and environmental health practices form part of the instruction. A typical process course includes classroom technical theory training
and practical welding exercises. State-of-the-art welding booths are used
to simulate job site applications. Advanced programs include Aluminium
MIG, Pulse and Cold Metal transfer processes, Maintenance & Repair,
Stainless Steel MIG, Pulse and GTAW TIG welding.
Fischer
advert
industry
NEWS
ARTIST
Artist designs stainless steel
whistle
Artist Duncan Stewart designed and
manufactured a stainless steel whistle for
the Soccer World Cup.
He created the sculpture after
reflecting on how a small piece of metal
controls millions of people by dictating
when the opening game of the World
Cup would kick off.
Stewart says: The humble instrument, which is operated by wind
and hence spirit, directs and guides
play for the enjoyment of the fans and to
ensure a fair contest between the teams.
Consider then, should the whistle blow
a player off-sides, and he continues to
dribble and score, is the goal allowed?
Of course not. Any advantage gained
after the whistle has been blown is invalid, worthless and has no bearing on the
final outcome of the game.
My hope is that as people
see their reflections in this sculpture, the
question may arise: Who is blowing
FREE
SUBSCRIPTION
30
September 2010
industry
GOSCOR
NEWS
Imperial buys share in Goscor
Imperial Holdings Limited, through its subsidiary
AMH, announces that it has acquired a majority shareholding in the Goscor Group of companies, a diversified industrial and engineering group.
Founded in South Africa, the Goscor Group has
been supplying the local market with state-of-the-art industrial
equipment and world-class solutions for the past 26 years.
It consists of 6 key divisions, and is an exclusive distributor
of leading and world-class brands of industrial equipment.
Goscor employs 250 personnel and has a national footprint
and distribution network, supplying to a blue chip customer
base across various sectors of the market.
Neil Wilson, the CEO of Goscor, says: Being
part of the Imperial Group gives us a new platform, allowing us to take advantage of Imperials substantial Southern
African footprint; it is their financial muscle and solid reputation in the market which will help us to further develop
our business. Goscor prides itself on its excellent customer
relationships, built on a foundation of exceptional service.
We take long-term views on everything we do, resulting
in Goscor being a strong and sustainable business which
is highly respected in the markets in which it operates.
CRONIMET
(R.S.A.) (PTY) LTD
VLEKVRYE STAAL
STAINLESS STEEL
JOHANNESBURG
6 Fuchs Street
Alrode Ext. 2, Alberton
Tel: 011 908 1620
Fax: 011 864 6604
www.cronimet.co.za
DURBAN
Mason Road
Amanzimtoti, Durban
Tel: 031 903 5628
Fax: 031 903 2166
www.cronimet.co.za
SUROH
CHARLES CAMMELL
C
harles Cammell is Columbus Stainlesss Senior Commercial Manager for the local market. He has been
with the South African stainless steel producer since
1986 and is one of the most well-known and recognised people in the industry. He is responsible for all sales of stainless
steel to the domestic market.