LCFeCr

LCFeCr, short for low-carbon ferrochrome, is a ferroalloy consisting primarily of iron and chromium with a deliberately reduced carbon content compared with conventional ferrochrome. It is used as an alloying additive in stainless steels and other chromium-containing alloys to supply chromium for corrosion resistance while minimizing carbon-related processing issues.

Typical LCFeCr grades contain roughly 60–70% chromium and a low carbon content, often well below 0.3% C, with some grades targeting sub-0.1% C. Minor impurities such as silicon, sulfur and phosphorus may be present depending on grade and production method.

LCFeCr is produced by smelting chromite ore with reducing agents in electric arc furnaces, followed by decarburization or refining steps to reduce carbon content to the low level required by the grade. The product is usually supplied in granular or nodular form for integration into steelmaking furnaces or for alloying in foundries.

In steelmaking, LCFeCr serves as a chromium source that improves corrosion resistance and toughness while limiting carbon-related issues such as chromium carbide precipitation at grain boundaries. This improves weldability and formability in stainless and some heat-resistant steels, especially where high chromium content is desired without excessive carbon.

Markets for LCFeCr align with other ferrochrome products, with production concentrated in regions rich in chromite ore. Specifications and prices vary by chromium content, carbon content, and impurity levels, reflecting differing requirements of stainless steel producers.