UNTR Nickel Sales to Reach 1.6 Million Tons This Year, Demand Expected to Grow Continuously Until 2027

 

Nickel Sales and Demand Growth Projections

Recent Highlights

  • After a tiring week, the stainless steel market finally has a chance to catch its breath.
  • With today's developments, is the stainless steel market experiencing a 'turn of fortune'?

According to reports from the Indonesian Business Journal, United Tractors (UNTR) has set a target for nickel ore sales to reach between 1.5 million and 1.6 million tons.

Recently, UNTR's company secretary, Sara K. Loebis, stated that this target was set following the company's forecast that nickel demand will continue to grow until 2027.

At the same time, Sara also provided updates on the continued acquisition of Anugerah Surya Pacific Resources' Stargate nickel mine located in Konawe Utara, South Sulawesi.

It should be noted that the Stargate nickel mine has a production capacity of approximately 2 million to 2.5 million tons of nickel ore. "Currently, we are preparing the land for the construction of the smelter and supporting infrastructure," she said.

She added that the completion target of the Stargate smelter is still under review and is expected to be completed in 2025 or 2026.

Regarding the future outlook for nickel, despite the oversupply in Indonesia and the Philippines, as well as the shadow cast by falling nickel prices, Sara remains optimistic. She believes that compared to the period during the pandemic, the price drop is not significant.

"Currently, nickel prices have fallen compared to last year, but they are still higher than before the pandemic. Therefore, the management of UNTR believes that with continuous efforts to improve production efficiency and sustainable mining efficiency, the nickel mining business can be well operated and managed."

Micro Comment

According to Kontan records, in the first quarter of 2024, UNTR recorded the sale of 382,543 tons of nickel products containing water (wmt) from the Stargate mine.

Details show that by January 2024, UNTR produced only 25,000 wet tons of saprolite, and by February 2024, UNTR's nickel production increased to 138,000 tons, with saprolite production at 60,000 tons and limonite production at 79,000 tons.

Continuing into March 2024, UNTR's nickel production will grow again to 220,000 tons, with saprolite and limonite production at 119,000 tons and 101,000 tons, respectively.

Content from the Indonesian Business Journal, does not represent the views of 51BXG.

51BXG does not guarantee the accuracy of the software translation, for reference only, the copyright belongs to the original author.

Americ Energy (CHINA) Co., Ltd.

Americ Energy (CHINA) Co., Ltd. stands as a prominent manufacturer and distributor of a comprehensive range of stainless steel products, designed to cater to the diverse needs of various industries. Their offerings encompass stainless steel tubes, plates, strips, and square tubes, all manufactured to uphold the highest quality benchmarks.

Contact Information:

When will the stainless steel market turn around?

 

When Can the Stainless Steel Market Turn Around?

Recently, the stainless steel futures market has experienced a decline, with no significant improvement in market demand, and social inventory remains difficult to digest. The current trend of stainless steel prices is weak. When will this situation turn around?

Futures Market Fluctuates Downward

Market performance is not satisfactory. Recently, the stainless steel futures market has fluctuated downward, and the market is filled with pessimistic sentiment. With the new round of steel mill price adjustments, many spot merchants have followed suit. Downstream companies are cautious and wait-and-see, and transactions are still based on the demand for purchase. The futures market may affect the current market sentiment, and the overall market performance is not good.

Raw Material Prices Support

Although macro factors are weakening, the supply of Indonesian nickel ore is still tight due to the approval process and the rainy season. The smelting cost of Indonesian ferronickel factories is high, and the price of ferronickel is well supported. Domestic trade prices may warm up, but it is still necessary to pay attention to policy changes in the Indonesian industry. At present, steel mills are temporarily unable to accept the purchase of high-priced raw materials and maintain a price-pressing mentality for the purchase of raw materials such as ferronickel.

Supply Contraction Not Significant

From the supply side, the production of stainless steel crude steel in July is 3.2467 million tons, a month-on-month decrease of 1.27%. The production of stainless steel in July may further decline, but the contraction of supply is not significant. In the latest inventory data (as of July 18), the total social inventory of stainless steel in the mainstream national market of 89 warehouses is 1.1087 million tons, a week-on-week increase of 1.94%. The total social inventory of stainless steel in the mainstream national market of 89 warehouses has increased this period, with various series having different degrees of inventory increase. Downstream replenishment operations are cautious, the market is mainly based on the demand for purchase, and the pressure of stainless steel de-stocking still exists.

International Economic Situation is Severe

On the macro level, international precious metal futures generally fell, and most of the basic metals in London closed down. In addition, the Federal Reserve released the Beige Book on the economic situation, which is expected to slow down economic growth in the next six months due to various factors such as elections, policies, and political conflicts. Affected by the international macroeconomic situation, the overall market sentiment is not good.

Summary

In summary, the stainless steel futures market fluctuates downward, downstream demand is still weak, the macroeconomic situation is not good, and the market is full of wait-and-see sentiment. In the short term, the price of stainless steel may operate weakly and steadily. When the current market situation will turn around needs to continue to pay attention to market dynamics, supply and demand conditions, and policy trends.

Why Asian Stainless Steel Mills, Represented by China, Are More Competitive?

 

Why Asian Stainless Steel Mills, Represented by China, Are More Competitive?

According to a message from Gerber on July 18, 2024, if there is one thing clear about Europe, it is that domestic steel and stainless steel mills have been reluctant to invest in outdated production methods for many years.

Without subsidies from the EU or member states, Europe would be helpless in terms of steel. This is not a new or surprising realization; Brussels has known this for decades.

"European Steel Agreement" on a One-Way Street

The recent position paper submitted by the German branch of the European People's Party (EPP) to the European Parliament, calling for a "European Steel Agreement," once again clearly shows this, and also shows who the final product of this position paper is.

European Stainless Steel is Outdated

This is the fear of Western multinational steel groups, who use completely outdated steel plants and technology to produce steel and stainless steel in Europe, and once again whisper evil stories about stainless steel to members of the European Parliament. If more protection and subsidies are not provided, a flood of cheap steel may sweep across Europe. Important evidence shows that this perfidious strategy and politicians who are willing to be obedient victims, in addition to the EU's safeguard measures for certain steel products (extended to 2026), bureaucratic CBAM mistakes, and two anti-circumvention lawsuits against flat-rolled stainless steel from Indonesia.

Asia Surpasses Europe in Innovation and Emissions

Despite the fact that Europeans have been squeezing the so-called "cows" behind national barbed wire fences for decades, Asia has built new state-of-the-art steel plants.

The production methods used include the RKEF-AOD process in Indonesia and China. These steel plants can not only save up to 25% of energy compared to old electric arc furnaces (EAF) in Europe to produce stainless steel, but also reduce carbon dioxide emissions by using renewable energy and at least 90% scrap content.

The outdated steel plants that Europe (such as ThyssenKrupp, Westphalia Hütte, Dortmund, Germany, 2002) sold to Asia before the 21st century no longer exist.

Threat of Overcapacity and Dirty Steel?

Nevertheless, Brussels is still trying to spread the threat of overcapacity (it has a lot of overcapacity itself) and dirty steel production.

In order to prove the rationality of the carbon border tax CBAM, despite it being full of formal errors and obviously based on false data and assumptions.

The demand for import quotas for steel produced by electric arc furnaces under CBAM clearly shows this. Just use green energy and a little more scrap in the electric arc furnace, and steel and stainless steel will suddenly become carbon dioxide-friendly.

Of course, it is not possible for the whole world to suddenly start producing green steel. Brussels and companies do not plan for this!

Better Population Prospects in Asia

For example, the population of Germany, a member state of the EU, is getting older, and the next generation no longer wants to ruin their health for invisible investors and replaceable company leaders, but there are still many places in the world with a better population situation. In Asia, it is easier to find and retain labor. Whether through education and training, health insurance, or fair and reliable pay. For example, this can be seen from a famous Chinese stainless steel manufacturer, which not only invests in the most advanced equipment and environmental protection but also carries out extensive training programs, thus caring more about its workers than some (Southern European) European stainless steel mills.

What Europe Needs Now

European steel and stainless steel industries no longer need any protectionism based on hypocrisy and lies. What Europe needs is an optimistic spirit. The willingness to take entrepreneurial risks again. And a significant reduction in bureaucracy that only serves the self-protection of the state and European institutions. Europe must get rid of old and rigid structures, dismantle market blockades and trade barriers.

If some steel oligopoly enterprises are put aside in this process, that's nothing big. European SMEs are desperately looking for qualified employees and are very willing to express the necessary gratitude to them. And are very happy to get more attention from Brussels to make changes.

About Americ Energy (CHINA) Co., Ltd.

Americ Energy (CHINA) Co., Ltd. stands as a prominent manufacturer and distributor of a comprehensive range of stainless steel products, designed to cater to the diverse needs of various industries. Their offerings encompass stainless steel tubes, plates, strips, and square tubes, all manufactured to uphold the highest quality benchmarks.

Contact Information:

  • Website: https://www.metal-ae.com/www.metal-ae.com
  • Email: ae@americenergy.com
  • Phone: 13521210668
  • whatsapp: 13521210668
  • Address: No.298 Fengwei Road, Xishan Development Zone, Wuxi City, Jiangsu Province, China

Why Tianjin is a Must-Contest Place for Stainless Steel Foreign Trade

 

Why Tianjin is a Key Battleground for Stainless Steel Foreign Trade

Tianjin Port, located on the eastern coast of Tianjin, China, is the largest comprehensive port and foreign trade port in North China, and also one of the world's highest-level artificial deep-water ports.

Tianjin Port boasts advanced port facilities and a complete transportation system, capable of docking all kinds of large ships in the world, and its cargo throughput has long been among the top in the world.

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With the global economic growth slowing down in 2024, the supply and demand of stainless steel and raw materials are on a collision course full of challenges and opportunities. As the downstream production capacity continues to expand and release, the demand for raw material imports increases. Tianjin Port, as a major transportation hub port for ore and iron, radiates the production capacity of the cargo area, accounting for more than 70% of the national total. Therefore, Mysteel has built a platform for exchange and cooperation for enterprises in the industry's upstream, midstream, and downstream in Tianjin, specially inviting more than 500 decision-makers from the global industry chain to participate in this event, including government chambers of commerce, chromium-nickel mines, chromium-nickel smelters, stainless steel factories, traders, logistics companies, and research institutions, to deeply discuss the differences in domestic and overseas investment environments and help the entire industry chain to develop steadily.

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Americ Energy (CHINA) Co., Ltd. stands as a prominent manufacturer and distributor of a comprehensive range of stainless steel products, designed to cater to the diverse needs of various industries. Their offerings encompass stainless steel tubes, plates, strips, and square tubes, all manufactured to uphold the highest quality benchmarks.

Contact Information:

  • Website: www.metal-ae.com
  • Email: ae@americenergy.com
  • Phone: 13521210668
  • whatsapp: 13521210668
  • Address: No.298 Fengwei Road, Xishan Development Zone, Wuxi City, Jiangsu Province, China

Heat treatment of press brake tools

In order to improve its mechanical properties, tools need to undergo heat treatment such as quenching and hardening.

Quenching:

This is a type of heat treatment that includes heating and subsequent cooling of the steel to reduce internal stress in the material. During the heating process, martensite is generated, which has a very hard structure and high ultimate tensile strength, but low resilience.

Therefore, the material is prone to cracking; To avoid this issue, the steel is then tempered through controlled cooling. The cooling rate during tempering has a significant impact on the residual stress of the steel. The slower the cooling rate, the weaker the residual stress.

The steel grade that can undergo this treatment contains 0.4-0.6% carbon, hence it is called quenched and tempered steel.

Hardening:

The purpose of this treatment is to increase the hardness of the material, which includes heating the steel to a certain temperature and then rapid cooling.

The commonly used method for measuring tool hardness is the Rockwell hardness test, which is performed using a conical (HRC) or spherical (HRB) indenter.

It involves gradually increasing the load on the instrument. The hardness is determined by the depth of penetration of the indenter into the workpiece.

Induction hardening:

This is the most common heat treatment for press brake machine tools, but as it is a surface treatment, it only affects the outer layer of the tool.

This quenching utilizes the principle of electromagnetic induction: a conductive material (coil) is placed in a strong alternating magnetic field, the tool is heated to a high temperature, and then rapidly cooled by a flow of coolant.

Induction quenching can form a very hard surface with wear resistance and fatigue resistance, without affecting the toughness of the core.

Core hardening:

Some press brake machine tool manufacturers use core hardening to achieve consistent hardness throughout the tool, while the surface hardness value is low, and the surface is usually subject to wear.

Length and precision

 

In the past, press brake machine tools were produced as single pieces, and their length was the same as that of the press brake machine or the profile to be bent. These steel tools are planed because hardening and grinding can cause them to deform due to their length. Due to the inability of the cutting tool to process, its accuracy is quite low, approximately 0.1 millimeters per meter.

With the emergence of new technologies, the accuracy of press brake machine tools has significantly improved. Today's tools are parts that are produced, hardened, and machined, ensuring higher accuracy (0.0 millimeters per pallet) and better mechanical performance than before. The length of the press brake machine tool varies depending on the type, for example, the Shinite tool has a length of 835mm.

The segmentation tool has several advantages: standard modular length, so that operators can purchase tools to form the required total length;

Easy to operate, saving time when installing the press brake machine;

Save costs because only worn or damaged parts of the tool need to be replaced, rather than the entire length;

The machine can be set up using different workstations and installation tools with different profiles that are used in sequence.

It is important that the tool dimensions are correct and can be fully interchangeable and aligned to utilize modern press brake machines and ensure high-quality press brake and repeatability.

Thanks to the surface finish generated by grinding machines, modern press brake machine tools can produce molds with radii in V-shaped molds and punch tips.

This allows for uniform press brake without marking the metal sheet and understanding the exact contact points between the tool and the metal sheet. This is important information for the CNC system of the press to automatically set press brake parameters to achieve maximum repeatability.

Press brake materials

What is the press brake mold made of?

There are many types of materials available for manufacturing press brake tools, including steel, alloy materials, polymer materials, etc.

At present, steel is the most widely used material for producing press brake molds, including T8 steel, T10 steel, 42CrMo, Cr12MoV, etc.

42CrMo is a high-strength alloy steel that exhibits high strength and toughness after quenching and tempering.

It can work at low temperatures as low as -500 ° C and is known for its high strength, toughness, and wear resistance.

The commonly used materials for press brake molds can be divided into eight categories.

1. Carbon tool steel

T8A and T10A carbon tool steels are often used in the manufacturing of press brake molds due to their excellent machinability and cost-effectiveness.

However, these materials have poor hardenability and red hardness, and significant deformation occurs during heat treatment. In addition, their load-bearing capacity is relatively low.

2. Low alloy tool steel

Adding an appropriate amount of alloying elements to carbon tool steel produces low alloy tool steel, reducing the tendency for deformation and cracking during quenching, and improving the hardenability and wear resistance of the steel.

Some low alloy steels commonly used in the production of press brake molds include CrWMn, 9Mn2V, 7CrSiMnMoV, and 6CrNiSiMnMoV.

3. High carbon and high chromium tool steel

High carbon and high chromium tool steel is famous for its excellent hardenability, toughness, and wear resistance.

During heat treatment, the deformation is minimal, making it a high wear-resistant steel with a load-bearing capacity second only to high-speed steel.

However, due to the obvious segregation of carbides, repeated upsetting and drawing (axial upsetting and radial drawing) are required to reduce the unevenness of carbides and improve their performance.

Some common high carbon and high chromium tool steels include Cr12, Cr12MoV, and Cr12MoV1.

4. High carbon medium chromium tool steel

High carbon medium chromium tool steel used for press brake molds includes Cr4W2MoV, Cr6W, Cr5MoV, etc.

These materials have low chromium content, fewer eutectic carbides, uniform distribution of carbides, minimal heat treatment deformation, good hardenability, and stable size.

Compared with high carbon steel and high chromium steel with obvious carbide segregation, these materials have improved properties.

5. High speed steel

High speed steel is commonly used in the production of press brake molds due to its high hardness, wear resistance, and compressive strength. It also has high load-bearing capacity.

Commonly used are W18Cr4V, W6Mo5, and Cr4V2 to reduce tungsten, as well as 6W6Mo5 and Cr4v high-speed steels developed to enhance toughness.

In order to improve the distribution of carbides, high-speed steel also needs to be forged.

6. Foundation steel

Basic steel is produced by adding a small amount of other elements to high-speed steel and adjusting its carbon content to enhance its performance.

Compared to high-speed steel, this can improve performance, such as increased wear resistance and hardness, as well as better fatigue strength and toughness.

It is a high-strength and high toughness bending die steel, which is more cost-effective than high-speed steel.

The commonly used basic steels for press brake molds include 6Cr4W3Mo2VNb, 7Cr7Mo2V2Si, 5Cr4Mo3SiMnVAL, etc.

7. Hard alloy and steel bonded hard alloy

Hard alloy has the highest hardness and wear resistance in bending die steel, but its strength and toughness during bending are poor.

Tungsten cobalt is used as a hard alloy in press brake molds.

For bending molds that require low impact and high wear resistance, hard alloys with low cobalt content can be selected. For high impact molds, hard alloys with high cobalt content can be used.

Steel bonded hard alloy is made by powder metallurgy using iron powder and a small amount of alloy element powder (such as chromium, molybdenum, tungsten, vanadium, etc.) as the binder, titanium carbide or tungsten carbide as the hard phase.

The matrix of steel bonded hard alloy is steel, which solves the problems of poor toughness and difficult processing of hard alloy.

This material can be cut, welded, forged, and heat treated. Steel bonded hard alloys contain many carbides, with lower hardness and wear resistance than hard alloys, but still higher than other steel grades.

After quenching and tempering, its hardness can reach 68-73HRC.

8. New materials

The material used for the press brake mold is a cold working mold steel, and its main performance requirements are strength, toughness, and wear resistance.

At present, the development trend of press brake mold steel mainly has two directions, both centered around high alloy steel D2 (Cr12MoV).

(1) Improving the toughness of bending molds, including reducing carbon content and alloy element content, and improving the uniformity of carbide distribution in steel. Examples in this direction include 8CrMo2V2Si and Cr8Mo2SiV.

(2) Improve the wear resistance of press brake molds and adapt to the high-speed, automated, and mass production of powder high-speed steel. An example of this direction is 320CrVMo13.

Press brake mold price

The cost of press brake molds usually depends on various factors, such as market conditions, customer psychology, competition, and manufacturer's situation.

The press brake mold manufacturer will conduct a comprehensive analysis of these factors to determine the cost of their punch and mold.

They may start with a base price that will increase by 10-30% to consider valuation, but this quotation can be negotiated and reduced based on specific circumstances. The final price shall be agreed upon by both parties and outlined in the contract.

It should be noted that the mold price may be higher or lower than the initial estimate, which only estimates the basic production cost and does not consider additional costs or profits.

It should be noted that the initial quotation for the press brake mold is not the final price, but only serves as an estimate of development costs.

After the product development is successful and profits are generated, the additional value of the mold fee is extracted as compensation to form the final mold price.

This price may be higher than the original estimate, and the return rate is also high, ranging from tens to hundreds of times the normal mold price. However, the return rate may also be zero.

For manufacturers, it is important to prioritize the quality, accuracy, and service life of press brake molds over cost. Pursuing low prices should not compromise the quality of high-tech products.

It is worth noting that due to factors such as equipment technology, personnel concepts, and consumption levels, mold valuation and prices vary among different enterprises, regions, and countries.

In more developed regions or larger and technologically advanced enterprises, the focus may be on high quality and high prices, while in regions with lower consumption levels or smaller enterprises, mold prices are expected to be lower.

It is also worth mentioning that mold prices will change over time, and the direct impact of mold prices may be poor.

Different time requirements and manufacturing cycles result in different mold prices. A pair of molds at different times have different prices, and molds with different manufacturing cycles have different prices.

What is the antioxidant effect of ferrite magnets?

Contact more customers, there will always be a lot of questions, such as a user asked, ferrite magnet can be saved for how long? Does oxidation of ferrite affect its properties?

Today I will reply to these two questions.

 

Ferrite, also known as permanent magnet ferrite, chemically known as ferric oxide, is already an oxide of iron, and it is difficult to be oxidized again. For the magnetic ring, its characteristics are long-term, there will be no deterioration, but put for a long time, there will be residue on the surface - some powder, this is a normal phenomenon, does not hinder its characteristics.

 

As we all know, ferrite magnet is made of a variety of magnetic materials, so put for a long time, the magnet will appear powder, which is what we say in the industry oxidation, but this does not affect its magnetic properties and impedance characteristics. The magnet will also be easy to oxidize when it encounters moisture, especially in wet weather. If the magnetic ring of the packaging is not sealed well and the moisture runs into the carton, it will also lead to oxidation of the magnetic ring.

 

Many people will ask, the magnet in production is not through water to clean the surface? How can also be afraid of water, of course, the magnetic ring is through the water to wash off the dirty surface, but after cleaning, the magnet to enter the oven to dry water, so just made of the magnet, not oxidation, and just washed out of the magnetic ring appearance, shiny!

 

Basic concept and use of flexible rubber magnet

Flexible rubber magnet is also one of the ferrite materials. It is made by combining bonded ferrite powder with synthetic Rubber through extrusion and calendering. That is flexible, elastic and warped. It can be processed into strip, roll, as well as a variety of sheet and tile.

Flexible rubber magnetic material can be made into the isotropic (less magnetic) or anisotropic (more magnetic), it is made of ferrite magnetic powder, CPE and some trace elements, can be bent, twisted, can be rolled.

It does not need a variety of mechanical processing, but also can be made into the required size and shape according to customer requirements. Rubber magnetic can also be made into PVC, self-adhesive, Glossy UV or Matt UV coating and so on according to customer requirements. Its magnetic energy product is between 0.60 and 1.50 MGOe.

 

Applications of flexible rubber magnets: refrigerators, message boards, fasteners for fastening objects to metal bodies for advertising, magnets for toys, teaching instruments, switches and sensors. Mainly used in micro-special motor, refrigerator, disinfection cabinet, kitchen cabinet, toys, stationery, advertising and other industries.

 

The advantages and disadvantages of flexible rubber magnet:

Advantages: Strong plasticity, can be punched, cut, pressed into a variety of complex shapes. Strong flexibility, can bend, fold, without damage to magnetism. Good corrosion resistance.

Disadvantages: Low flux density, low maximum operating temperature.

 

Application examples of barrier terminal blocks in LED power

barrier terminal

In LED power applications, HongYi barrier terminal blocks are often used to connect LED lamps and power supplies. The following are examples of barrier terminal  in LED power applications:

 

Power input connection: LED power supplies usually need to be connected to a power cord to provide power supply. HongYi  terminal blocks can be used to connect power cords and power input terminals, barrier terminal block connector ensuring stable power supply and safety.

 

Output connection: HongYi  terminal blocks are also used to connect the output end of LED power supplies to LED lighting fixtures. LED lighting fixtures typically have multiple connection points, and pcb terminal blocks can provide a convenient and reliable way to connect the positive and negative poles of each LED light.

pcb terminal blocks

Multi channel connection: LED power supply may require connecting multiple LED fixtures simultaneously to meet the needs of large-area lighting. HongYi  terminal block provides multiple connection functions, which can connect the power lines of multiple LED lamps to the corresponding terminal positions, terminal block 3 pole simplifying the circuit wiring and connection process.

 

The design of 3 pole terminal block can ensure stable electrical connections and signal transmission, improving the reliability and performance of LED power systems. For the selection of metal materials, common hardware parts usually use highly conductive and corrosion-resistant metals, such as copper or tin plated copper. pcb barrier terminal block can provide good electrical connections and durability, making them suitable for LED power supply applications. At the same time, under special requirements, other suitable gold materials can also be selected according to specific needs.