ThyssenKrupp Titanium has started operation of an electron beam furnace in Essen. The new unit was officially inaugurated on 15 October 2008 by Dr Wolfgang Reiniger, mayor of the City of Essen, Jürgen Fechter, Chairman of the Executive Board of ThyssenKrupp Stainless, and Dr Markus Holz, Chairman of the Management Board of ThyssenKrupp Titanium. This furnace increases ThyssenKrupp Titanium’s melting capacities for titanium ingots. Over EUR 30 million have recently been invested in various measures to expand production at the Essen site, including the installation of an additional vacuum arc furnace at the end of 2006. With a melting rate of up to 1200kg of titanium per hour, the new furnace can produce up to two slabs per day. Instead of the standard 7.5 metric tons, the slabs can now weigh up to 15tns.
