Home Banner 2

SteelWorks360℠: Real Stories. Real Impact. Real results

Impact By Design

ADVANCING STEEL INNOVATION 2

KEEPING PRODUCTION MOVING

Challenge: Demand for outdoor recreation surged during the COVID-19 pandemic, driving record sales of propane tanks. A major manufacturer’s Wisconsin plant needed to maximize production to meet this spike. But the facility’s older one-step draw press frequently jammed when trim rings failed to detach cleanly, creating costly downtime and threatening throughput. They turned to U. S. Steel for help.

Choice: Our SteelWorks℠ team, working closely with their operators and the Gary Works QA team, launched a collaborative program to improve plant productivity. Together, we identified that the solution required:

  • Higher tensile strength steel to allow trim rings to detach more easily
  • Rougher surface finish to improve lubricity during forming

Gary Works produced and trialed four modified orders, which proved far more robust in their press, successfully reducing jams and improving trim quality.

Outcome: Based on the trial success and supporting data, the customer revised their material specification to align with their plant’s “operating sweet spot.”

The result was clear:

  • Improved press reliability
  • Reduced downtime from jams
  • Better trim quality and overall productivity

Our customer’s operators reported they now prefer U. S. Steel Gary Works material over competitors, thanks to its consistency and performance. By combining technical expertise with on-site collaboration, we helped them seize a once-in-a-generation market opportunity — a true example of Impact by Design.

DOWNLOAD the PDF

Let’s Build What’s Next—Together 2

Let’s Build What’s Next—Together

Every great innovation starts with a partnership. At U. S. Steel, we work side by side with our customers — from concept through production — to turn challenges into breakthroughs and ideas into measurable results. Whether you’re designing lighter, stronger products, streamlining production, or rethinking your supply chain, our experts are ready to help you make an impact that lasts.

Connect with your U. S. Steel representative today to explore how collaboration, innovation, and performance come together. 

Ready to Become a U. S. Steel Customer?

Partner with a trusted leader in American steelmaking and innovation. When you work with U. S. Steel, you gain more than a supplier, you gain a team dedicated to your success from design to delivery.

Tell us a little about your business, and we’ll connect you with the right expert to get started.

 

LET'S TALK