Zunyi Changling Special Steel has performed the first heat with the new Danieli EAF Zerobucket

In January 2026, Changling Special Steel successfully completed the first heat on its new Danieli Zerobucket Electric Arc Furnace (EAF), marking a significant achievement for both the steelmaker and Danieli. The furnace is capable of tapping 100 tons of liquid steel and represents the latest evolution of Danieli’s continuous-charging Zerobucket technology. Initially contracted in mid‑2023, this project’s timely completion and smooth, hot start-up confirm the strong cooperation between the Changling and Danieli teams.

The new EAF is designed for 100% scrap charging, enabling flexible and cost‑efficient steelmaking. One of its most notable performance targets is a 30‑minute tap‑to‑tap time, made possible thanks to the continuous feeding philosophy that eliminates traditional scrap buckets and the delays, and the stresses associated with them. This results in a more stable melting process, reduced structural wear, and improved overall productivity.

China continues to play a central role in Danieli’s global strategy, remaining one of the company's key markets. At present, Danieli counts 31 references for Zerobucket EAFs in China since 2018—either already in operation or approaching start‑up—demonstrating the trust that Chinese steelmakers place in Danieli technology and the company’s long-term commitment to the region.

As Changling ramps up operations in the coming months, the new Zerobucket furnace is expected to deliver improved energy efficiency, lower operational costs, and enhanced environmental performance—key priorities for modern steelmaking. This milestone not only strengthens Changling Special Steel’s production capabilities but also reinforces Danieli’s leadership in innovative EAF technologies and its long-standing partnership with the Chinese steel industry.