Back Hydrogen Annealing Facilities Cold-rolled coils produced for uncoated applications are annealed in a hydrogen atmosphere furnace. The controlled heating, soaking and cooling cycle reduces the strip hardness imparted during cold reduction. Temper Mill Following annealing, a light rolling pass on the single-stand temper mill provides the final ordered gauge, flatness and surface characteristics required by the customer for uncoated strip. Following a cleaning station, the strip enters an annealing furnace prior to immersion in a molten zinc bath. Exiting the bath, precise coating weight is controlled by finishing knives.
Galvanized strip continues through a cooling section.
A second furnace beyond the coating pot enables production of galvannealed strip. Passing through this furnace, the zinc forms an alloy bond with the strip, which provides superior quality characteristics for exposed automotive applications. Maximum coil dimensions at the dual exit station are 70,000 pounds and 80 inches wide.