China's Cored Wire Export Prices: September 27, 2023 Reference and Buying Guide

What Is Cored Wire?

Cored wire (also called core-covered wire or injection wire) is a product made by filling a steel strip with a powdered or granular alloy core such as calcium silicon, pure calcium, ferro calcium, silicon calcium barium or other additives, then forming the strip into a continuous tube. It is injected into molten steel or molten iron through professional wire feeding equipment during steelmaking, ladle treatment or casting, and is widely used as a deoxidizer, desulfurizer and alloy additive.

How Cored Wire Improves Alloy Absorption

The wire is fed at a controlled speed so that it reaches an ideal position inside the melt. When the steel skin melts, the core is fully dissolved and reacts at that depth, which avoids reactions with air and slag at the surface. As a result, the absorption rate of the alloying elements increases, inclusions in the molten steel are modified in physical form, and the final quality of steelmaking and casting products improves. Typical applications include calcium treatment for inclusion modification, desulfurization and precise micro-alloying.

Export Price Reference: September 27, 2023

Product	Index	Price (USD/ton)	Change	Port	Remark
Calcium silicon cored wire	Ca30Si60, 13 mm	1600-1650	--	Tianjin	FOB
Calcium silicon cored wire	Ca28Si55, 13 mm	1550-1600	--	Tianjin	FOB
Pure calcium cored wire	Ca 98% min, 9 mm (Ca 58-68 g/m)	1600-1650	--	Tianjin	FOB

The table shows reference export prices quoted on that date; the change column shows no movement. Prices are indicative and vary with core material cost, steel strip quality, order volume and market conditions. Historical reference tables should always be re-confirmed before procurement.

What Determines Cored Wire Pricing

Core material cost: calcium silicon alloy, pure calcium metal and other core ingredients dominate the cost structure.

Core density and packing weight: expressed in grams per meter, it directly sets the alloy content per coil.

Strip quality and diameter: 13 mm and 9 mm wires use different strip widths and thicknesses.

Port, Incoterm and packing: FOB prices exclude ocean freight; palletized coils and moisture protection add cost.

Selection and Buying Notes

Choose the diameter to match the wire feeding machine: 13 mm is common for calcium silicon, 9 mm for pure calcium wires.

Confirm the core density in g/m so the target addition rate can be calculated from feed length and speed.

Ask for a certificate of analysis covering core composition, strip thickness and packing weight per coil.

Check coil length and spooling quality; consistent winding prevents feed jams in the machine.

FAQ

1. Why use cored wire instead of adding alloy lumps directly?

Lumps added to the surface oxidize and react with slag before reaching the melt. Cored wire delivers the material to the intended depth, improving absorption rate, recovery and consistency of the treatment.

2. What does Ca30Si60 mean?

It is a calcium silicon core specification with approximately 30% calcium and 60% silicon; the balance is mainly iron and minor impurities. Ca28Si55 is a similar grade with slightly lower calcium and silicon content.

3. What is the difference between 13 mm and 9 mm cored wire?

Diameter affects feeding speed, penetration depth and the amount of core delivered per meter. Thicker wire carries more core per meter and suits larger ladles; thinner wire is used for more precise dosing and shallower injection positions.

4. What is the typical core density of pure calcium wire?

Pure calcium cored wire is commonly specified at Ca 98% minimum with a packing of about 58-68 g/m, but the exact value is set by the purchasing specification and confirmed by the supplier's COA.

5. How long does cored wire stay usable in storage?

Kept dry and away from moisture, cored wire can be stored for several months without significant core deterioration. Condensation can cause the calcium core to oxidize, so coils should remain sealed until use.