The world's number one steel manufacturer ArcelorMittal has announced the inauguration of Arceo, its industrial prototype for a vacuum plasma steel coating line, located in Liège, Belgium.
This breakthrough technology has been developed as a world first by the group's R&D in partnership with the Walloon Region and is expected to open up new uses for flat steel products.
The vacuum plasma process in question, through which steel can be a sensor, a reflector, a source of light, an anti-bacterial or self-cleaning surface, or just simply be more aesthetic or endowed with better anti-corrosive properties, constitutes one of ArcelorMittal's development projects and is expected to make a contribution to renewing and expanding the company's product range.
Commenting on the innovation, ArcelorMittal Executive Vice President Flat Carbon Steel Europe, Christophe Cornier, said, "ArcelorMittal can be proud of its faith in this project. Developments so far have proved that the process is robust and respectful of the environment. With Arceo, ArcelorMittal will transform the future of steel, opening up new horizons for it."