Recently, the National Intellectual Property Administration disclosed an invention patent by Ningbo Zhongding New Material Technology Co., Ltd. titled “A Waste Heat Recovery System and Control Method for Drying Based on Steel Strip Deformation” (Publication No.: CN120506800A). This patent introduces a dynamic deformation-sensing mechanism coupled with a closed-loop thermal energy recovery system, significantly improving energy efficiency during the post-processing stage of cold-rolled stainless steel strip production and providing technical support for the company’s commitment to green manufacturing.

      Founded in 2020 and located in Fenghua District, Ningbo, Zhejiang Province, Zhongding New Material specializes in the research, development, and production of high-quality cold-rolled precision stainless steel strips and specialty alloy strips. Its products feature thicknesses ranging from 0.05mm to 2.0mm, widths up to 600mm, and surface finishes including 2B, 1D, and DF matte. Customizable mechanical states are also available, serving high-end manufacturing sectors such as automotive, energy, and electronics.

      In the production process of precision strips, the drying step following cleaning is one of the most energy-intensive stages. Conventional drying systems typically operate at fixed temperature settings, making it difficult to adapt to the varying thermal demands of steel strips under different specifications and tension conditions—often resulting in unnecessary energy consumption. Moreover, the direct discharge of high-temperature exhaust without effective heat recovery not only increases operational costs but also contradicts the current industry trend toward low-carbon transformation.

      The newly disclosed patent addresses these challenges through an innovative approach: it uses “steel strip deformation” as a key control parameter. High-precision sensors continuously monitor minute deformations of the strip during drying. Combined with real-time data on material thickness and line speed, the system dynamically adjusts heating power and airflow distribution. Simultaneously, the exhaust hot air passes through an efficient heat exchanger, where thermal energy is recovered to preheat incoming fresh air or support heating needs in other processes—establishing a closed-loop heat recovery system.

      Initial validation on the company’s internal production line shows that this technology reduces overall energy consumption per unit of product by approximately 12%–15%. Additionally, more precise temperature control has improved the uniformity of the strip’s microstructure. This is particularly significant for thermally sensitive applications such as high-temperature superconducting substrates and automotive EGR valve components, where consistent thermal history is critical to ensuring material reliability and performance consistency.

      As a technology-driven enterprise committed to sustainability, Zhongding New Material consistently integrates energy efficiency and emission reduction into its innovation strategy. Supported by a professional R&D team and collaborative platforms with universities and research institutes, the company continues to invest in material processing, equipment automation, and green manufacturing technologies. The disclosure of this waste heat recovery patent reflects the company’s forward-looking approach to smart manufacturing and resource efficiency, offering a replicable technical pathway for the broader industry.

      Looking ahead, Zhongding New Material will continue to drive progress through technological innovation, focusing on enhancing both the performance and sustainability of precision alloy strip production. The company aims to deepen its presence in emerging fields such as new energy vehicles, hydrogen energy equipment, and advanced electronics, contributing to the high-quality, low-carbon evolution of China’s new materials industry.

      Ningbo Zhongding New Material Technology Co., Ltd., established in 2020 and situated in Fenghua District, Ningbo, covers an area of 5,000 square meters. The company specializes in the development and application of high-quality cold-rolled precision stainless steel strips and other alloy strips. With its innovative spirit and professional team, it contributes significantly to the advancement of the new materials industry.