The Instituto Argentino de Siderurgia invites you to the: 26th IAS Steel Conference
which will include topics ranging from raw materials to end-products, including sessions on Safety and Environment, with a special emphasis on "Information Technology", one of the greatest interests for the steel community.
The Conference will be enhanced with the EXPO IAS 2026 to the Steel Industry at which companies will have the opportunity to share their latest developments and products. The Exhibit area will be a key point of the Conference. The exhibition will run throughout the event.
The Conference will be held from Tuesday 6th to Thursday 8th October 2026 in Rosario, Santa Fe, Argentina.
Pre-conference courses will take place on Monday, 5th October and will be delivered by internationally renowned speakers who will deal with different aspects of the steelmaking process; and the traditional plant tours will take place on Friday 9th October.
Mold flux is one of the most consequential yet least understood consumables in continuous casting. When flux performance falters, so does everything else; surface quality, casting speed, operator confidence, and ultimately, sleep. This tutorial bridges the gap between mold flux theory and the practical decisions made on the casting floor every day.
Participants will develop a working understanding of flux physicochemical properties that includes viscosity, melting behavior, crystallization tendency, and heat transfer and how these properties interact with steel grade, casting speed, and mold design. Real casting scenarios and defect case studies are used throughout to build intuition for diagnosing flux-related instabilities before they escalate.
By the end of this session, attendees will leave with a clearer framework for flux selection, process troubleshooting, and the confidence to make better decisions, and perhaps sleep a little easier.
09.00am - 10:30am >>
Module 1. Types of Mold Powders & How They Work
Module 2. Science of Mold Powder Properties
10.30am - 11.00am >> Coffee Break
11.00am - 01.00pm >>
Module 3. Slag Lubrication & Heat Transfer in the Mold
Module 4. Mold Powders for Defect Prevention & Breakout Control
01.00pm - 02.00pm >> Lunch
02.00pm - 03.30pm >>
Module 5. Flux Feeding Practices & Mold Sensor Monitoring (Slab Casters)
Module 6. Mold Powders During Special Transient Casting Periods
03.30pm - 04.00pm >> Coffee Break
04.00pm - 05.00pm >>
Module 7. New Developments of Mold Powders
Module 8. Data-Driven and AI-Based Mold Flux Development
05.00pm >> Final Discussion
Iron ores remain the primary raw material underpinning global steel production, and their characteristics strongly influence process performance, cost, and decarbonization potential. This one-day pre-conference course provides an integrated overview of iron ores from formation and resource characteristics through processing, preparation, and utilization in modern steelmaking with an economic and market focus.
The course examines ore types, mineralogy, and quality parameters, followed by beneficiation, agglomeration, and use as lump ore, sinter, pellets and briquettes. Their behaviour and implications for burden design, productivity, carbon consumption, and operational stability in blast furnace ironmaking are discussed from both technical, economic and market perspectives.
Building on this foundation, the course explores the evolving role of iron ores in emerging low-carbon steelmaking routes, including direct reduction and hydrogen-based processes. Particular attention is given to changing raw material requirements, product specifications, economics and supply chain considerations.
Designed for experienced metallurgists and senior managers, this course aims to connect raw material fundamentals with process performance and strategic decision-making across the steelmaking value chain.
09.00am - 10:30am >>
Module 1: Global Iron Ore Fundamentals
10.30am - 11.00am >> Coffee Break
11.00am - 01.00pm >>
Module 2 & 3: From Mine to Metal & Reduction Technologies
01.00pm - 02.00pm >> Luch
02.00pm - 03.30pm >>
Module 4: Economics, VIU & Market Trends
03.30pm - 04.00pm >> Coffee Break
04.00pm - 05.00pm >>
Module 5: Green Steelmaking & Decarbonisation
05.00pm >> Final Discussion
In the framework of the 26th IAS Steel Conference, three plant tours will take place simultaneously, thus in the case of being interested you should choose to visit only one of them:
DATE: Friday, 9th October 2026
SCHEDULE - Departure at 8.30am / Arrival at 3.30pm.
COST: TBD
CLOTHING: The use of long sleeve shirt, long pants and closed shoes are mandatory. It is prohibited to use synthetic clothing, soft-soled shoes (tennis/sneakers) and high heels.
SAFETY: Safety equipment is mandatory. Safety equipment (helmet, jacket, sunglasses and earplugs) will be provided for each visitor.
LUNCH INCLUDED