Non-metallic Inclusions

Non-metallic inclusions are compounds which consist of one or more metals, i.e., copper (Cu), manganese (Mn), iron (Fe), etc., and one or more non-metals, i.e., sulfur (S), oxygen (O), silicon (Si), etc. During the forming and processing of steel, non-metallic inclusions (in the form of oxides and sulfides) are formed during solidification and are rolled into the metal. When steel is rolled or fabricated into a sheet, the non-metallic inclusions are aligned and often are elongated in the direction of rolling.