Nonmetallic inclusions are particles inherent to the steelmaking process that are known to reduce the fatigue life on parts exposed to continuous stresses. Steel producers are challenged to minimize inclusions and ultimately reduce detrimental effects on the final product, especially on critical vehicular applications. Premature failures in highly stressed components have driven the push for cleaner, high-performing steels. 

The need for high-strength steel parts with lightweight design and increased fatigue life and better performance is more important than ever. Bearing steels used in safety-critical parts – including wheel hubs, constant-velocity joints (CVJs), transmission and differential gears, pinions, and others – are clear examples. The automotive industry is driving this need for increased performance, and Gerdau Special Steel is here to rise to the occasion by producing cleaner steels using sustainable processes. As the leading supplier of SBQ steel in North America, Gerdau is prepared to better serve the automotive industry through state-of-the-art, modern processes and equipment, finding ways to improve steel cleanliness, and remaining intensely focused on meeting the needs of our automotive customers. Hello, Performa™ steels!

The demands for high-quality, performance steels continue to evolve over time, requiring our team to work diligently to continue to improve our processes through the formation of research partnerships, continuous process improvements, and modern technology. Aligned with the critical characteristics of automotive applications, Gerdau has invested over $400 million on state-of-the-art manufacturing equipment and process-control improvements. Over the years, these investments have included updates to melting, casting, slag detection, tundish flow time control, shrouding, vacuum degassing, straightening, and improved surface- and internal- quality inspection. All these equipment and process enhancements result in higher-quality engineered steel bars that meet the challenging performance expectations of our automotive end users.