The figure above is from the 1989 thesis of Prof Robert Knutsen entitled 'A Microstructural Examination of Duplex Ferrite-Martensite Corrosion Resisting Steels'. This illustrates the long history of collaboration between CME and Columbus Stainless.

Columbus Stainless, part of the Acerinox Group of companies, is the only stainless steel mill in Africa. Based in Mpumalanga, South Africa, producing austenitic stainless steel, ferritic stainless steel and duplex stainless in plate, sheet, coil and strip. They are a major stainless steel supplier into Africa and internationally.

They manufacture the most popular grades of stainless steel, such as austenitic grades 304 stainless and 316, ferritic grades 430, 444 and 441, as well as 3CR12 – a corrosion resisting steel developed for improved weld-ability and low cost applications. They also supply duplex stainless steel grades 2205 and 2304 in sheet and coil.

Most recently the samples for the work done by Rabelani Masindi were supplied by Columbus Stainless. The thesis title was 'Microstructure and texture development in AISI430 ferritic stainless steel'

Click here for PDF of dissertation

Click here for Columbus Stainless Website