IQ-Steel:(Isotropic Quality) is an isotropic quality ultra clean steel. IQ-Steel is optimized for fatigue strength by a strict control of steel cleanliness. IQ-Steel, a further development of BQ-Steel, is an isotropic and ultra clean steel with properties that match re-melted steels. Based on thousands of examinations by Ovako into the effects of defects on fatigue performance, the metallurgy of IQ-Steel is purer and far more consistent than conventional grades, and designed specifically to perform well in multi axial loading. This enables the manufacturing of lighter, slimmed down components like gears, bearings and other critical parts. The steels are helping our customers to achieve new design solutions and implement higher standards of finished product performance. Key to these practical advantages are Ovako’s own unique, clean and consistent modern steelmaking processes that remove harmful inclusions and impurities from within the steel. IQ-Steels contain smaller and more fragmented inclusions and can handle much higher mechanical forces in all directions than conventional steels. IQ-Steels are newer, but already now well established in high pressure automotive applications. Modern diesel engines, with high and cyclic injection pressures, have proven to be an ideal application. Transmission components are another emerging area of strong interest.

Information provided by Ovako