ArcelorMittal Vega, located in São Francisco do Sul, Brazil, is a key player in the production of cold rolled and galvanized steel, primarily serving the automobile industry. The facility features modern infrastructure, including a state-of-the-art pickling and tandem cold mill (PL-TCM) and two hot dip galvanizing lines. To ensure a high production level and the smooth supply to the new CAL/CGL, SMS group undertook a significant upgrade to the PLTCM, including the installation of a fifth rolling mill stand. This strategic enhancement ensures that both the PL-TCM and the new CAL/CGL are optimally integrated, enhancing Vega's overall production capabilities.
The new CAL/CGL enhances Vega's capacity to produce high-strength steel for automotive and household industries. It has an capacity of 640,000 t/year and can process strips with thicknesses ranging from 0.4 to 3.0 mm and widths up to 1,875 mm, operating at a maximum speed of 200 m/min.
Designed for dual functionality, the line combines both annealing and galvanizing processes. The end products include GI coated steel, Magnelis® coated steel (ZnMg), and annealed steel. Coming from the future requirement of handling high-strength steel, each piece of mechanical and process equipment installed in the line is designed and already capable of handling steel strip with a yield strength of at least 1,500 MPa.
Another notable feature of the CAL/CGL is the Drever furnace, which ensures optimal heating and cooling for high-quality annealing. The line also includes a compact cleaning section for efficient pre-treatment of the strip and a horizontal roll coater for uniform coating application.
In addition to the CAL/CGL, the recoiling and inspection line (RIL) achieved a milestone with the issuance of the provisional acceptance. This line plays an integral role in the expanded cold rolling complex, ensuring high-quality inspection and recoiling processes that support the new CAL/CGL by maintaining the integrity and quality of the final products.
The successful commissioning of the new CAL/CGL at ArcelorMittal Vega highlights the close cooperation between ArcelorMittal and SMS group. This project not only enhances Vega's production capabilities, but also sets a new benchmark for quality and efficiency. The first coil milestone is a demonstration to the collaborative effort and technical excellence that defines this partnership, paving the way for future advancements and continued success.