“The start-up of lines Nos. 2 and 3 were exceptional in terms of duration and efficiency, thanks to the close and effective collaboration between the project partners, including Primetals Technologies, Shagang Group, and Castrip,” Primetals Technologies said in a statement. 

The Castrip process produces strip close to net final shape, utilizing two counter-rotating rolls at the caster to produce ultrathin cast strip. The process eliminates the need for strip reheating and reduces the amount of rolling that must be done to meet final specifications. In fact, a Castrip line consists of a single stand hot-strip mill, which reduces strip thickness by 10% to 55%.  

Primetals Technologies is a licensee of Castrip and provides equipment and automation for Castrip installations.

The Shagang Castrip lines can each produce 500,000 metric tons annually. They can produce strip in widths from 1,345 mm to 1,680 mm and in thicknesses from 0.7 mm to 1.9 mm. 

Shagang Group first introduced Castrip technology to China at its plant in Zhangjiagang in 2018. The other three lines all were brought on-line in the past 12 months, Primetals Technologies said.