Slab

**Steel Slab**

**Introduction to Steel Slab**

Steel slab is one of the most important semi-finished products in the steel industry, serving as the main raw material for producing various types of steel sheets. Slabs have a thick, wide rectangular cross-section and are produced through the continuous casting process.

**Dimensions and Specifications**

Slabs are typically produced with a thickness of 150 to 300 mm, a width of 600 to 2,000 mm, and several meters in length. These dimensions are adjusted based on the type of sheet required. The chemical composition of a slab is available in different construction and industrial grades, depending on industry needs.

**Production Process**

In the continuous casting process, molten steel is refined in the furnace and then poured into a casting machine, where it solidifies into a flat cross-section. After solidification, the slabs are cut into standard lengths and sent to the hot rolling mill.

**Applications of Steel Slab**

– Production of hot rolled steel sheets (black sheets)
– Production of cold rolled sheets
– Galvanized sheets
– Color-coated sheets
– Used in shipbuilding, automotive, home appliances, and industrial structures

**Key Features of Slab**

– Uniform structure with good mechanical properties
– Excellent rollability
– Adjustable width and thickness based on order requirements

**Factors Affecting Slab Prices**

Slab prices are influenced by raw material costs, billet and bloom prices, energy costs, global sheet market conditions, and exchange rates. In Iran, slab prices are typically determined according to Iran Mercantile Exchange transactions and the open market.