One cycle ends and another one begin. It is time for analysis and budgets for the iron and steel market too, which looks back at 2011 just gone, while tackling already the first few months of the New Year.

Let us start with the global data on the steel production of 2011, which roughly reached 1500 million tonnes, recording an increase of 6 percentage points in respect of 2010. What kept the level high was the steel demand from the users sectors; apart from a few exceptions, it maintained positive growth rates.

A world and European slowdown in the consumption of steel took place in the last two months and the repercussions will be felt also at this start of 2012, due to the global economic slowdown, which decreases the demand and therefore the production too.

With regard to the Italian iron and steel market, there are many important figures that pass the year just gone with flying colours, on the ground of remarkable figures and data, which have been recently published by Federacciai. The Italian steel production volumes are growing: +11.8% on 2010 with 26.7 million tonnes produced on the whole.

A year with ups and downs for the world iron and steel industry. However, the iron and steel sector can count on international opportunities, which puts it a step ahead of other fields, in spite of the credit crunch, as explained by Assofermet chief executive Mr Roberto Lunardi.

Sources: federacciai.it - siderweb.com

For A.L.B.A., ongoing research and development are key words to be put into effect by means of concrete projects for optimising its cutting machines and improving their efficiency, but never to the detriment of workers' safety.

New pilot flame torch with integrated ignition and detection is patent pending.

The pilot flame torch perfectly combines these aspects. This is a forced-air torch made of OT 58 stainless steel which will replace manual ignition torches mounted on oxygen lance cutting machines.

The new pilot torch is equipped with a remote operation ignition and integrates the automatic detection of the flame or its absence. An electrode located inside the burner causes the light ignition and in the meantime detects its presence and blowing out, if any.

In the latter case, the system will proceed autonomously and will try a new ignition up to 4 times; in case of failure, the security system will close the gas electric valve and send an error message to the operator.

Thanks to the new system, the machines ignition will be managed by a logic control unit and operators will be able to remotely operate the machines, with a higher level of safety.

A.L.B.A. expressed its satisfaction with the recent participation in the economic mission of the Italian companies in Korea, which was organised by Confindustria, in collaboration with ABI, the Ministry of Economic Development and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and which took place on last November 20th to 23rd in Seoul.

Italian companies, which were more than 120 including businesses, banking groups and industry associations, took part in this first "economy mission" in a country that offers many business opportunities and partnerships for the Italian industry.

The Korean system "is the 15th largest economy in the world and the 4th in Asia [...] and is one of the most advanced industrial system in the world, both in terms of product innovation and process" said Emma Marcegaglia, President of Confindustria.

The Italian economic mission has set itself the task of strengthening the existing trade relations with Korea and, on the other hand, has helped to create new contacts and opportunities, especially in the automotive, engineering, plant engineering, aerospace, mechanics, robotics and automation, and consumer goods sectors.

A.L.B.A. has participated in this mission with a great interest and a proactive attitude aiming at strengthening the already good trade relations with Korea and expanding its growing market.

The A.L.B.A. investments in Korea are becoming more concrete, also thanks to the recent abolition of duties on imports of components and applications, established by the Free Trade Agreement between EU and Korea.

Here is how Riccardo D'Ottavi, who has already obtained the support of Kotra, the last 23rd November, shows on "Il Sole 24 Ore": "The idea is to produce special torch cutting machines and equipment for iron and steel industry and to make this country a distribution hub for other Asian markets".