The Material Works, Ltd.

The EPS process is an environmentally friendly replacement for acid pickling of hot rolled steel strip developed by The Material Works, Ltd. (TMW) of Red Bud, Illinois, USA.

This patented process removes the layer of oxide (mill scale) from the surface of hot rolled steel, imparting a very clean, uniform surface. Unlike acid pickling, the EPS process uses no hazardous substances to accomplish its 'pickling' - just ordinary water and fine steel grit - which are recirculated for continuous use.

The process also leaves the steel inherently rust-resistant, so it does not require the oil film that is applied to acid pickled steel to prevent rusting.