POSCO, the South Korean steel giant, has once again showcased its technical prowess by clinching three prestigious medals at the Stainless Steel Industry Awards hosted by Worldstainless. The international association, renowned for its discussions on industry trends and challenges, bestowed these accolades upon POSCO for its groundbreaking stainless steel technologies.
POSCO emerged as the sole recipient of all three medals - gold, silver, and bronze - in the highly coveted new stainless technology category. The gold medal was awarded for POSCO's high-strength 430 DP (Dual Phase) stainless steel, specially designed for large premium home appliances. This innovative material, developed in collaboration with Samsung Electronics, exhibits a remarkable 50% increase in strength while simultaneously reducing its thickness by 20%. Its durability against dents and scratches makes it an ideal choice for high-end appliance exteriors, such as premium refrigerator doors.
In addition to the gold medal, POSCO secured the silver medal for its non-magnetic and high-strength austenitic stainless steel, 316HN (High Nitrogen), developed for mobile devices. This advanced steel is engineered to shield electromagnetic waves emitted from attached sensors, ensuring optimal camera performance and preventing malfunctions. With the rising demand for smartphones and foldable devices with enhanced camera capabilities, the adoption of POSCO's 316HN steel is expected to witness a significant upsurge.
Furthermore, POSCO's bronze medal was awarded for its low-cost brazing filler metal, a game-changer in the realm of stainless steel used primarily in air-conditioning refrigerant piping. By utilizing more copper and significantly less silver compared to conventional welding materials, this development has resulted in a remarkable cost reduction of over 80%.
