Danieli Morgårdshammar recently started the hot run of the Steel Dynamics Inc. bar mill in Pittsboro, Ind., following an upgrade of the finishing mill area and finishing facilities.

Modernization of the former Qualitech Steel rolling mill, transformed it into a highly efficient, superflexible merchant bar and light section mill. With the upgrade, the mill is now suitable for production of 3\8- to 3-inch round bars, up to #18 rebars, up to 6-inch channels and corresponding angles and flats, at rates of up to 135 tons per hour.

The upgrade included a new continuous finishing mill made up of eight housingless stands in H, V and convertible H/V arrangement with fast changing system. Modifications were made to the existing cooling bed, and new finishing facilities were added for round bars and for profiles.

The finishing outlet for profiles production, including in-line multistrand-straightening and cutting to length station, 24-meter magnetic stacker and bundle strapping/collecting facilities, will be started up later this year, as a completion of the upgrading stage.