Taewoong upgrades ring rolling machine to produce seamless rings up to 11 meters in diameter
Taewoong has modernized its ring rolling machine with SMS group to enable the production of seamless rings up to 11 meters in diameter, suitable for offshore wind turbine components.
The modernization incorporates enhanced plant engineering, automation systems and digital solutions, focusing on the machine's base, control systems and ring centering mechanisms. Taewoong is enabled to maintain its competitive advantage in producing large-scale rings for sectors like wind power and aerospace by enhancing output quality, minimizing downtime, and optimizing resource utilization.
The modernization is executed in two shifts to minimize operational downtime.
Taewoong has partnered with SMS group for over 20 years, utilizing their advanced steelmaking technology, including a rolling mill and one of the largest ring continuous casting lines for round profiles.
Plant technology
The upgrade of Taewoong's ring rolling mill, completely executed by SMS group, involves a comprehensive modernization of the existing machinery to enhance production capabilities and efficiency. The project includes the dismantling of outdated equipment and the installation of new, advanced components such as the RAW630(800)/630(800) ring rolling machine. The updated machine is capable of producing rings up to eleven meters in diameter, 2.75 meters high and weighing a maximum of 95 tons. These specifications are ideal for manufacturing components such as the tower flanges used in offshore wind turbine installations.
Key improvements include enhancements to the machine's base, control systems and ring centering mechanisms, which ensure the production of larger rings with consistent quality. The upgrade also features new water-cooled, frequency-controlled AC drives that minimize maintenance requirements and enhance operational reliability. The increase in axial rolling force, coupled with more powerful main and axial rolls, enables the fabrication of heavier rings, close to 100 tons.
Main data
- Plant type: RAW630(800)/630(800)
- Ring diameter (max.): 11 m
- Ring weight (max.): 95 t