| Backwardation | (english) Market condition where the spot, or current price for a metal is higher than the three-month delivery price. This usually indicates immediate demand is perceived to be stronger than long-term demand. Not considered to be a "normal" market state (See Contango). |
| Bainite | (english) A eutectoid transformation product of ferrite and a fine dispersion of carbide, generally formed at temperatures below 840 to 930 F (450 to 500 C): upper bainite is an aggregate containing parallel lath-shape units of ferrite, produces the so-called feathery appearance in optical microscopy, and is formed at temperatures above about 660 F (350 C); lower bainite consists of individual plate-shape units and is formed at temperatures below about 660 F (350 C). Also, a slender, needle-like (acicular) microstructure appearing in spring steel strip characterized by toughness and greater ductility than tempered Martensite. Bainite is a decomposition product of Austenite best developed at interrupted holding temperatures below those forming fine pearlite and above those giving Martensite. |
| Bake Hardenable Steel | (english) A cold-rolled, low-carbon sheet steel used for automotive body panel applications. Because of the steel’s special processing, it has good stamping and strength characteristics and after paint is baked on, improved dent resistance. |
| Balanced Steel | (english) Steels in which the deoxidisation is controlled to produce an intermediate structure between a rimmed and killed steel, Sometimes referred to as semi-killed steels, they possess uniform properties throughout the ingot and amongst their applications are boiler plate and structural sections. |
| Balling Drum | (english) A rotating drum that is used for adding moisture to the sinter mix in the Blast Furnace. Also, it enhances a balling action where the smaller sized materials adhere to larger materials. |
| Banded Structure | (english) Appearance of a metal showing parallel bands in the direction of rolling or working |
| Banding | (english) Inhomogeneous distribution of alloying elements or phases aligned in filaments or plates parallel to the direction of working. |
| Bare Spot | (english) A location on the strip where coating did not adhere. |
| Base Metal | (english) (1) The metal present in the largest proportion in an alloy; (2) the metal to be brazed, cut or welded; (3) after welding the part of the metal that was not melted during the process. |
| Base Metal Contamination | (english) Dirt or other impurities in the steel strip. |