In 2004, R&D activities focused on product improvements to further strengthen the competitive advantage of processes offered to customers.

The mixed acid recovery system has been optimized to increase the nitric-acid recovery rate, as well as water balance between stainless steel pickling lines and acid recovery plants.

A previously started project on alternative corrosion-resistant coatings has been continued, with special focus on zinc/chromium- and zinc/magnesium-coatings to reduce the zinc-layer thickness for improved laser weldability in the automotive industry.

Implementation of the IDEAS simulation software has been successfully started by creating a static mass balance model of the acid recovery plant.

The filter systems for 20-high rolling mills have been further improved and are now offered as standardized product.  The roll and strip cooling systems of 4-high and 6-high rolling mills have been optimized for improved flatness of the produced strip.

New advanced coater technology has been successfully installed and commissioned for a line of the Austrian steel producer voestalpine.  With this technology, Andritz once again underscores its leading position in high-precision color coating.