If you want to be a mini mill steel producer, you will need to learn about mini mill tools and operations. Mini mills are key components of the secondary steel manufacturing business. Most mini mills use an electric arc furnace to melt steel scrap and convert it into high-quality steel using a ladle and reheat furnace.

This guide will familiarize you with key terms to help you get a better understanding of mini mill operations.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Electric arc furnace

In order to convert steel scrap for reuse, you will need an electric arc furnace. The furnace primarily converts raw material into liquid steel and prepares it for further refinement.

I recommend: Learn more about electric arc furnaces at the World Steel Association, a comprehensive resource on iron- and steel-making processes.

Continuous caster

A continuous caster or a strand caster converts molten steel into a solid form or into slabs to use for rolling additional products in the mill.

I recommend: At Energy Manager Training, you can learn about the basic principles of continuous casting of steel.

Fly cutter

If you want to cut out circular portions from metal, you will need to use a fly cutter. The fly cutter has an attached shaft and an adjustable wing to change the diameter of the circle.

I recommend: You can look at fly cutters instructions at Sherline Products, Inc., a manufacturer of mini mill equipment.

End mill

You will need an end mill for cutting operations in milling applications. End mills have single-edge ends or double-edge ends that you can use to cut metal. The double-edge ends model can be an economical option, as you can cut tools with both the ends.

I recommend: You can learn more about end mills at LittleMachineShop.com.

Center drill

In steel mini mill operations, you will need center drills to make holes in the metal. You can use drills of varying length and width for getting holes of desired sizes. You will also need to use a lubricant to keep the drill safe from damage.

I recommend: At mini-lathe.com, an online resource for milling operations, you can get detailed information on the use and applications of center drills.

Slitting saw

The purpose of a slitting saw is similar to that of a mini mill cutter, although you can use it to cut bigger shapes out of the work piece.

I recommend: To learn about using a slitting saw, browse through the information provided at mini-lathe.org, a useful resource on mini mill tools.

Collets

You will need to use collets in your mini mill to hold the cutting tools in place.

I recommend: Modern Machine Shop is an online magazine where you can find useful information on collets.

Milling vises

A milling vise holds your work piece in place while you work on it. It is a very convenient tool to hold small clamped up parts for milling.

I recommend: At www.millvises.com, you can find different types of milling vises offered by various manufacturers.

A steel mini mill can provide you with all of the specialty steel products that you need. However, the term "mini" may be misleading as mini mill steel mills are major companies that produce a wide variety of steel products, such as wire and flat and tubular steel.

Mini mill steel mills create products with a variety of properties. The composition, size, coating and marks or stains characterize different companies and products. Also note that a mini mill steel company might make products from titanium, iron and other metals as well. So shop around for the mini mill manufacturer that produces what you want.

When finding and selecting mini mill steel producers, take the following steps:

1. Use industry sources to find a mini mill producer.

2. Check the catalog of each mini metal mill to view the range of products.

3. Look for mini metal mills that specialize in the products you seek.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Start with steel mini mill directories

Fortunately, the steel industry offers a number of directories that provide company information. Scour some directories to identify companies that specialize in wire, flat steel, or other items you seek. You might rank order the companies you list based on criteria such as product mix, reputation and location.

I recommend: In addition to company names, Industry Net provides complete contact information, maps and links to the company websites. They also categorize companies by specialty, such as steel processing. Jigsaw has contact information for dozens of mini mill steel producers and hundreds of related business.

Browse online steel mini mill catalogs for the products you want

Some mini mill steel companies produce a wide array of items; other specialize. Investigate online product catalogs and company profiles to find the mini steel mills that make the products you seek. If you can't find what you want in inventory, search for companies that customize.

I recommend: Gerdau Ameristeel offers a wide inventory of steel products. Scour their online catalog for items geared to the construction industry, such as rebar and bantam beams. They also carry wire and metal sheet. The online inventory of steel angles at Jersey Shore Steel includes posts, supports, and furniture parts made from light-gauge, high-strength steel.

Buy from the mini mill producer that specializes

When your business application requires a specific product, make it your first step to find that item. Narrow you search to mills that produce the item and then consider criteria such a price.

I recommend: Seven steel-processing units comprise Cargill, which trades in seventeen different product lines. Products include wire rod, tin plate and rebar. Gallatin Steel specialized in roiled steel and pipes. Check the product specifications for steel grades, alloy content and other standards.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  If shipping costs are an important consideration, include mini steel mill locations in your decision. There are mini mill steel companies scattered throughout the United States, so you should be able to find one near you.