Argon Oxygen Decarburization (AOD)
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What is Argon Oxygen Decarburization (AOD)?
Argon Oxygen Decarburization (AOD) is a refining process for ferrous metals such as stainless steel or high-grade steel that improves alloy performance through tight chemistry control and high levels of metal purity.
The AOD refining process produces low carbon (0.025% or less) steel and low silicon and sulfur levels. A mixture of oxygen and argon gases is injected into the molten metal bath. The oxygen reacts with carbon in the steel, forming carbon monoxide, which is removed from the vessel. This decarburization reduces the steel’s carbon content. This results in improved properties such as:
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Weldability (reducing weld electrode use by over 50%)
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Corrosion resistance
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Strength
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Malleability
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Heat resistance
Customers can request AOD in their specifications to significantly improve alloy performance.
MetalTek offers AOD at Carondelet (capacity of 10,000 lbs. / 4536 kg), Sandusky International (capacity of 40,000 lbs. / 18 143 kg), and Wisconsin Centrifugal (capacity of 12,000 lbs. / 5443 kg). Our AOD process has been refined with years of expertise. With toll melting, we can control costs by capturing and reusing machine chips and recycling raw materials with guaranteed high purity. Contact us to learn more.
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What Is AOD (Argon Oxygen Decarburization)?
Frequently Asked Questions
The main purpose of the process is to refine ferrous metals, such as stainless steel and high-grade steel, by precisely controlling their chemical composition and achieving high levels of purity. This ultimately enhances the performance of the alloy.
A mixture of oxygen and argon gases is injected into the molten metal bath. The oxygen reacts with the carbon present in the steel, forming carbon monoxide gas, which is then removed from the processing vessel. This controlled decarburization effectively lowers the carbon content of the steel.
Benefits include improved weldability (leading to reduced weld electrode consumption), enhanced corrosion resistance, increased strength, better malleability, and improved heat resistance of the final steel product.
The AOD refining process is capable of producing steel with very low carbon content, typically 0.025% or less. It also effectively reduces the levels of silicon and sulfur in the molten metal.
AOD is primarily used for refining ferrous metals, most notably stainless steel and various high-grade steels.
Yes, MetalTek offers AOD processing at three of its divisions: Carondelet (up to 10,000 lbs / 4536 kg), Sandusky International (up to 40,000 lbs / 18,143 kg), and Wisconsin Centrifugal (up to 12,000 lbs / 5443 kg).
Toll melting refers to MetalTek's ability to process customer-supplied materials. In our AOD operations, this allows us to control costs by capturing and reusing machine chips and recycling raw materials while ensuring high purity in the final alloy.
Yes, customers can often request that their steel specifications include AOD processing to ensure the desired levels of alloy performance and purity are achieved.
The precise control over the chemical composition achieved through AOD ensures that the final steel product meets stringent quality standards and exhibits the desired mechanical and physical properties for its intended application.
By significantly reducing the carbon content, AOD improves the weldability of steel, making it easier to join and often reducing the amount of weld electrode needed by over 50%.