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Electroslag melting is a promising approach to the recycling of fine scrap and high-alloy steel waste. Owing to the refining capacity of slag and the controlled thermal conditions of melting and solidification, the process makes it possible to produce high-quality ingots of secondary metal suitable for further use in high-tech industries. This paper presents the results of experimental studies on the application of electroslag melting in a current-supplying mould for processing high-alloy steel waste. The features of the melting of fine and very fine metal fragments in a molten slag bath were determined, and the main routes for improving process efficiency were identified. The process was experimentally studied in the recycling of used small medical items made of high-alloy stainless steels, including injection needles and surgical instruments. Experimental trials carried out on semi-industrial equipment confirmed adequate retention of alloying elements and the production of ingots with a high-quality surface suitable for subsequent forming without additional surface conditioning. These results demonstrate the potential of this process for the recycling of fine scrap and high-alloy steel waste.
Keywords: High-alloy steel waste recycling, fine scrap, electroslag remelting, current-supplying mould, ingot© This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.