Steel dynamics enhances production capacities with two continuous galvanizing lines and color coating lines from SMS group
On July 18, 2024, SMS group and Steel Dynamics (SDI) announced the successful start-up of four new production lines at two locations in the USA. The Continuous Galvanizing Lines (CGLs) and Color Coating Lines (CCLs) in Sinton, Texas, and Heartland, Indiana, were commissioned to expand production capacities for coated steel strips to meet the growing demand.
Plant Technology
The project includes two Continuous Galvanizing Lines, each with an annual capacity of 278,000 tons, designed for producing galvanized steel sheets. These lines utilize advanced technologies such as the Drever horizontal furnace and the DUMA-BANDZINK air-knife system, enabling efficient production and the capability to create Al-Si coated steel. Additionally, the two Color Coating Lines (CCLs) feature tailored solutions to produce coated cold-rolled and galvanized steel strip for various applications. Handling strip width of up to 1830 mm at 183 m/min, it enables SDI to meet diverse customer needs while upholding stringent quality standards.
Proven X-Pact® packages for basic and process automation
SMS group's X-Pact® automation packages take an integrated and holistic approach in the realization of the four processing lines, allowing seamless interaction between all components. The modular Level 1 and Level 2 software architecture ensures stable real-time performance of the lines. Thanks to the enhanced diagnostics with faceplates and pop-ups, the system can respond to requests very quickly, ensuring advanced analysis of the production process, high availability, fast troubleshooting, and guaranteeing flawless production performance.
The success of the project is significantly marked by the very fast start-up of the lines, made possible by digital commissioning of the automation system during the X-Pact® Plug & Work integration tests prior to its commissioning on-site.
The new additional Continuous Galvanizing Lines and Color Coating Lines in Sinton and Heartland strengthen the production capabilities for SDI and are an excellent continuation of the very good partnership between SDI and SMS group.