1. Manufacturer of Slag Shovels: Presence and Capacity of Womic Steel
Womic Steel is a professional manufacturer and exporter of slag shovels (also known as slag dredging shovels, slag buckets, or foundry shovels) based in China. With over 20 years of experience in producing carbon steel and alloyed steel tubular products, our foundry plant employs high-precision modular components and computer-aided simulation (CAE) technology to ensure the structural integrity of each cast product in a single piece.
Monthly Production: Over 2,000 tons of steel castings, including slag ladles with individual units weighing up to 100 tons.
Extreme customization: We design and manufacture any capacity (5 – 100 t), thickness, material, and finish based on the client's drawings and the operating conditions of their furnace.
2. Material Composition & Sludge Spoon Performance
2.1 Materials Steel Grade (ZG)
According to international standards used in the steel industry (ASTM, DIN, ISO, JIS), Womic Steel slag spoons are generally molded with already established grades, such as the following, each with a specific structural behavior to withstand high temperatures (+1,600 °C):
| Grade | Yield Strength (MPa) | Tensile Strength (MPa) | Elongation (%) | Recommended Application |
| ZG270-500 | ≥270 | ≥500 | ≥18 | General-purpose bucket (cost-effective) |
| ZG310-570 | ≥310 | ≥570 | ≥15 | Intensive duty cycles |
| GS-20Mn5 | ≥300 | 480-630 | ≥22 | Optimal performance requirements, cold climates |
| ASTM A27 65-35 | ≥241 | ≥448 | ≥24 | US certification, projects |
2.2 Chemical Properties (Analysis, Mass Percentage Values, %)
| Element | ZG270-500 (Standard) | GS-20Mn5 (Standard) | ASTM A27 60-30 |
| Carbon (C) | 0.30 – 0.37 % | 0.18 – 0.23 % | 0.28 – 0.32 % |
| Silicon (Si) | 0.30 – 0.50 % | 0.30 – 0.50 % | 0.30 – 0.60 % |
| Manganese (Mn) | 1.10 – 1.40 % | 1.00 – 1.50 % | 0.90 – 1.20 % |
| Phosphorus (P) | ≤ 0.030 % | ≤ 0.020 % | ≤ 0.040 % |
| Sulfur (S) | ≤ 0.030 % | ≤ 0.020 % | ≤ 0.040 % |
| Chromium (Cr) | – | ≤ 0.30 % | – |
| Nickel (Ni) | – | ≤ 0.40 % | – |
| Molybdenum (Mo) | – | ≤ 0.10 % | – |
Slate spoons for electric furnaces (EAF) support an average of 15–20 cycles per day. The low carbon alloy (<0.23%) and the addition of molybdenum and nickel improve its toughness and resistance to thermal fatigue cracking.
2.3 Mechanical properties
Elastic limit: 270 – 310 MPa (ZG), 300 MPa (GS 20Mn5). The higher elastic limit (GS 20Mn5) delays plastic deformations under overload conditions.
Tensile: ZG270 500 slag spoon has elongation of 18%, while ASTM A27 and GS 20Mn5 grades reach 22 24%; This indicates a higher energy absorption capacity prior to fracture.
Thermal fatigue resistance (CAE simulation): GS 20Mn5 material, heat treated with controlled air tempering, withstands ~3,200 cycles (ΔT 1,300 °C) before cracking, 115% more than standard carbon steel.
2.4 Maximum service temperature and thermal shock resistance
Continuous maximum temperature: ~600°C for ZG270 500 and ASTM A27; ~650 °C for GS 20Mn5.
Thermal shock resistance: Fine grain steel (GS 20Mn5) withstands more than 3,000 complete cycles (heating from 300°C to 1,600°C and sudden air cooling), doubling the life of standard grades.
3. Size Guide: Capacity, Weight, and Dimensions (Example for 30t Slag Shovel)
| Capacity (t) | Approx. Weight (t) | Average Volume (m³) | Mouth Diameter (mm) | Overall Height (mm) |
| 20 t (Standard) | 25 – 30 t | 12 – 16 m³ | 1,800 | 1,500 |
| 30 t | 33 – 40 t | 18 – 22 m³ | 2,200 | 1,800 |
| 40 t | 42 – 52 t | 24 – 28 m³ | 2,500 | 2,100 |
| 50 t | 52 – 62 t | 29 – 35 m³ | 2,800 | 2,400 |
| 70 t | 60 – 72 t | 40 – 50 m³ | 3,200 | 2,700 |
| 85 – 100 t | 75 – 105 t | 45 – 65 m³ | 3,600 | 3,000 |
The final designs and dimensions are made according to the dimensions and needs set out in the customer's plan (elevation view, maximum crane width, height under the pourer, etc.).
4. Manufacturing Process: One Piece Integral Casting
The manufacturing process of the slag ladle is as follows:
Computer-Aided Engineering (CAE) with Huazhu® Solidification Simulation Software: Our technicians define the 3D model and simulate the solidification of molten metal. The objective is to detect any casting defects (shrinkage cavities, porosity, inclusions) prior to the production of wooden patterns or 3D printing of molds.
Pattern Production and 3D Printed Sand Molds (Resin Fusion): Wooden or metal patterns are manufactured according to the customer’s design. For high-precision parts, we can use 3D printed sand molds.
Melting and Refining: Selected steel scrap is charged. The Electric Arc Furnace (EAF) melts the charge; the molten metal then passes to the Ladle Furnace (LF) station for refining – reduction of S, P, O₂, H₂ – and composition adjustment. After refining, vacuum degassing (VD) is performed to remove dissolved gases (H₂ < 2 ppm).
Single-Pour Casting: The entire body, together with the two integral trunnions, is poured in a single continuous casting operation. No welding of any kind is used.
Heat Treatment: Normalizing and/or quenching in a bell-type furnace, with continuous temperature recording (time-temperature curve) that provides complete traceability.
Sand Blasting, Cleaning, Finishing and Machining (if required): Burrs from the feeding system are removed and surfaces are ground to achieve a quality surface finish.
100% Non-Destructive Testing (NDT): Visual inspection, full-volume ultrasonic testing (UT) of the steel are performed, and magnetic particle testing (MT) and liquid penetrant testing (PT) are applied to critical areas (trunnions, junction radii).
Marking and Packaging: Engraving of casting number, capacity, weight, production date. The exterior paint (silver grey) provides protection during sea transport.
5. Quality Control and Certifications
5.1 Quality inspection and testing
| Stage | Inspection Type | Standard / Method | Acceptance Criteria |
| Scrap Receipt | Chemical Composition | OBLF GS‑1000 Spectrometer | Verification of Steel Grade (ZG / ASTM / DIN) |
| Melting Process | Ladle Samples | Spectrometer + Thermocouples | Compliance with Full Customer Specifications |
| Modeling Simulation | Dimensional Inspection | CMM Equipment / Laser Tracker | ±5 mm (for trunnions) / ±10 mm (geometric dimensions) |
| Cast Steel Heat Treatment | Temperature Recording | Continuous Time‑Temperature Recorder | Traceable and Certified Curve |
| NDT Ultrasonic Testing (UT) | JB/T5000.14 Standard Level 1 and Level 2 (2nd Edition) | Automated Ultrasonic Testing Equipment | Level 1 for trunnions (500 mm depth). Level 3 for general body |
| Magnetic Particle Testing (MT) | ASTM E709 / GB/T 9444 Standard | Magnetic Yoke Equipment | Linear indications > 2 mm are not permitted |
| Liquid Penetrant Testing (PT) | ASTM E165 / GB/T 9443 Standard | Spraying | No cracking indications |
| Dimensional Inspection | With Laser Tracker | Portable Measuring Equipment | ±10 mm on external dimensions |
| Hardness | Leeb Hardness Test | 20 Points – 150 Measurements | Uniformity ±10 HB |
Final Certificate: EN 10204 Type 3.1 (standard), EN 10204 Type 3.2 (on request, with inspection agency presence).
5.2 Womic Steel Certifications
ISO 9001:2015 – Approved quality management system.
PED 2014/68/EU (CE Marking) – Complies with the European Pressure Equipment Directive.
ISO 14001:2015 – Commitment to environmental management (we want to protect the environment).
ISO 45001:2018 – Special attention to occupational health and safety.
Third party inspection certificate (SGS, BV, TÜV, ABS, DNV, LR) upon request.
6. Sludge Spoon Applications
Thanks to its sturdy structure and high customization flexibility, Womic Steel slag ladles are widely used in various industrial fields. The main application scenarios are as follows:
Integrated Iron and Steel Plants: Applicable to blast furnace and BOF/LD steelmaking processes. The ladles are used to transfer slag from converters to slag yards and deslagging stations.
Electric Arc Furnace Steelmaking Plants (EAF): Special EAF slag ladles adapt to fast filling and discharging cycles, suitable for production environments with working temperature above 1600°C.
Iron and Steel Foundries: Used for collecting and discharging slag from cupola furnaces, medium-frequency induction furnaces and blast furnaces.
Non-ferrous Metal Processing Plants (Copper, Zinc, Lead): Non-ferrous industry dedicated slag ladles are equipped with anti-stick linings to prevent chemical adhesion of materials.
Chemical Plants and Slag Recycling Plants.
7. Advantages of Womic Steel over Other Manufacturers
Over 20 years manufacturing steel foundry components for the steel and mining industries.
Advanced CAE pouring simulation technology: We guarantee quality before mold production.
Guaranteed steel quality: Through EAF + Ladle Furnace (LF) + Vacuum Degassing (VD) melting processes. Starting from selected high‑quality scrap steel.
Complete non‑destructive testing (NDT): UT (100%), MT (magnetic particle inspection), PT (dye penetrant inspection) with photographic reports.
Extreme customization and fast delivery times: 35–50 days from technical drawing approval.
Large‑dimension manufacturing capacity: Single piece up to 300 tons.
Large export volumes: Shipping to destination ports via various transport modes (container, flat rack, project cargo) under CIF, FOB, etc.
Complete documentation: We provide maintenance manuals, as‑built drawings and a digital copy (certificate according to EN 10204 3.1/3.2).
8. Packaging and Logistics in International Transport
8.1 Sludge spoon packing
Surface Protection: Anti-corrosion oil applied on machined surfaces (inner parts, trunnions); small parts wrapped with individual plastic films.
Metal Flanges & Angle Brackets: Protect edges and trunnions against impact damage.
Steel Supports / Wooden Blocks: The ladle is placed on steel frames fixed to wooden bases to prevent shifting during loading and transportation.
Outer Coating: The whole product is fully covered with waterproof plastic tarpaulin, together with silica gel desiccant bags inside.
Marking: Clear and permanent markings including capacity, gross weight, center of gravity, lifting points and customer order number.
8.2 Shipping Options
20GP / 40GP / 40HQ Ocean Containers: Suitable for single items up to 25-28 tons. Products under 30 tons (models up to 35 tons) are packed in wooden cases and shipped via standard full containers.
Flat Rack & Open Top Containers: Ideal for cargo up to 45 tons (30-50 ton ladles), firmly fixed with fastening chains and locking systems.
Break Bulk & RORO Shipment: Applied for cargo above 20 tons. Heavy oversized goods are delivered by general cargo ships and secured with lifting beams.
8.3 Shipping documentation included
Commercial invoice
Packing List
Certificate of origin (Form E or CO, depending on destination country)
Maritime Shipping Knowledge
Test certificates (EN 10204 3.1 / 3.2)
END report (UT, MT, PT)
Photos of marking, dimensions and final packaging
Seafreight insurance certificate (on request)
9. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: What is the difference between a slag ladle and a pouring ladle?
A: The slag ladle is designed to convey and pour molten slag (silicate, lime, MgO, etc.). The pouring ladle is used to transport liquid steel directly and is usually lined with refractory materials. We specialize exclusively in slag ladles and slag pots.
Q2: How many service cycles can Womic Steel slag ladles achieve?
A: Standard carbon steel slag ladles reach a minimum of 5,000 cycles. Ladles made of GS-20Mn5 material with quenching and tempering heat treatment can exceed 8,000 cycles when used in factories with strict daily maintenance schedules.
Q3: What is the standard lead time for heavy-duty slag ladles?
A: 35-45 days after final confirmation of customer drawings. Extra 10 to 15 days are needed for special material grades or certifications. Urgent orders are acceptable upon request.
Q4: Can we conduct on-site inspection during production?
A: Yes, we welcome on-site inspections by international third-party institutions including SGS, BV, TÜV, ABS, LR, DNV etc. subject to prior business agreement.
Q5: Do you provide warranty for weld-free structure?
A: Yes. All our slag ladles are produced via one-piece integral casting with zero welding joints. It avoids crack initiation points, which account for 70% of premature failures of conventionally welded ladles.
Q6: What payment terms do you accept?
A: We accept T/T wire transfer and sight/usance L/C. Flexible terms and deposit plans are available for bulk repeated orders.
Q7: What documents will be provided together with shipment?
A: You will receive Material Test Certificate (MTC) complying with EN 10204 3.1, and 3.2 is available at extra cost in advance.
Full documents include chemical composition report, mechanical property report, heat treatment report, as-built drawings, full NDT reports including ultrasonic thickness testing data, as well as complete safe operation and maintenance guidelines.
10. Export History and Case Studies
Womic Steel has supplied over 500 sets of slag ladles to steel mills, foundries and metallurgical facilities across more than 23 countries. Below are authentic project references (client confidential information has been omitted):
Project 1 – Integrated Steel Plant in Southeast Asia (Indonesia):
We supplied 85-ton capacity one-piece integrally cast slag ladles. Designed in full compliance with original OEM equipment parameters to replace traditional welded-type ladles. After 4,200 service cycles, the ladles have been in service for over 28 months with zero cracks or defects.
Project 2 – Electric Steel Plant in Balkan Region (Eastern Europe):
The client required chromium-nickel-molybdenum alloy slag ladles suitable for operating at minus 35°C extreme low temperature. We adopted GS-20Mn5 steel that fully meets Charpy impact test standards, provided EN 10204 3.2 certification and full-process NDT inspection reports. This client has placed three repeated bulk orders so far.
Project 3 – US Steel Mill with Limited Crane Load Capacity:
The client needed lightweight slag ladles to match existing on-site crane load limits. By applying professional CAE casting simulation technology, we successfully cut the overall ladle weight by 18%, while maintaining and further upgrading structural safety performance.
Contact the Manufacturer
If you need a budget without commitment or want technical advice for your new project, do not hesitate to contact us.
Womic Steel – Your Trusted Sludge Spoon Supplier in China
Website: www.womicsteel.com
Email: sales@womicsteel.com
Phone / WhatsApp / WeChat:
Victor: +86 15575100681
Jack: +86 18390957568
Womic Steel designs and manufactures customized slag ladles tailored to client demands. Our engineering and sales teams offer full-range professional consultation all the time.
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