According to project contractor Primetals Technologies, the upgrades to the plant’s S6 caster are designed to increase flexibility, product quality and to minimize the potential for breakouts.

To that end, Primetals Technologies outfitted the 2-strand caster with three technology packages: its DynaWidth hydraulic mold width adjustment system, its Mold Expert breakout prevention and mold monitoring system, and its DynaFlex hydraulic mold oscillation system.

Primetals Technologies said the 23-year-old caster is used to cast ultralow-, low-, medium-, and high- carbon steels, in addition to peritectic, micro-alloyed and high-silicon grades.

The caster is one of seven 2-strand slab casters at the plant.