According to SMS, the upgrades will increase the No. 6 slab caster’s maximum thickness from 300 to 350 mm, allowing for a better plate yield. In order to handle the thicker slabs, the plate mill’s maximum roll lift in the horizontal stand will be increased from 320 to 370 mm. 

“This will be achieved mainly by modifying the CVC roll bending and shifting system, installing new chocks for the upper work roll and adapting the back-up roll balancing system,” SMS said in a statement. 

It also will provide a new level 2 model for the reheat furnaces and improved versions of the rolling mill’s process models. As for the caster, SMS will undertake the basic and detail engineering, optimize the secondary cooling system, upgrade the electrical and automation systems, and provide new level 2 technological process models.  

The project is scheduled for completion by year’s end.