The Timken Co. has placed an order with SMS Meer, Germany, for the expansion of its existing bar mill at the Harrison Steel Mill in Canton. Timken’s objectives for the project include extending the product size range, increasing mill capacity, and improving product quality. Following the expansion, Timken will be able to produce SBQ bars from 25 to 170 mm round, with sizes up to 127 mm.

The expansion comprises a three-roll Precision Sizing Block, PSM^® (precision sizing mill), and a new bar finishing end with cooling bed, cutting units and loading facilities. The PSM will be installed downline of the existing rolling mill, allowing smaller sizes to be produced and close rolling tolerances to be achieved. The PSM will also permit the use of a standardized pass design in the roughing and intermediate mill (One-Family Rolling) and the infinitely variable production of finished sizes by means of roll adjustment (Free-Size-Rolling).

The PSM consists of five rolling cassettes, each with three rolls. Rolls will be adjusted hydraulically and permit adjustment under load, including Automatic Gage Control (AGC) and monitor control using a laser measuring device installed behind the PSM for product size measurement. A CARTA^® process model will be provided for setting the process parameters.

SMS Meer’s scope of supply also includes a combined rotary/two-crank shear for cutting the bars to cooling bed lengths, a rake-type cooling bed with braking slide delivery system, and finishing and loading facilities. Bar layers will be cut to length by two abrasive-disc cutting machines. SMS Meer will also provide the complete electrical equipment and automation system, plus training and supervisory services. Commissioning is scheduled for mid-2008.

SMS GmbH is the holding for a group of companies internationally active in plant construction and mechanical engineering relating to the processing of steel, non-ferrous metals and plastics. The group is divided into the Business Areas SMS Demag and SMS Meer under SMS metallurgy and into the Business Area SMS Plastics Technology. In the year 2005 some 9,250 employees worldwide generated a turnover of about EUR 2.33 billion.