News3 Min

TAGAL produces first coil on recoiling and inspection line after just 16 months

The teams of Tagal and SMS after the start-up of the recoil and inspection line.

Dalian, 14. May 2024

On March 15th, 2024, TKAS Auto Steel Company Limited (TAGAL) in Dalian, China, celebrated a remarkable milestone as the first coil was successfully produced on the new Recoiling and Inspection Line No. 2 (RCL2), supplied by SMS group. This achievement comes after an impressive 16-month journey of dedication and collaboration.

Summary

  • Start-up of recoiling and inspection line no. 2 after 16 months only
  • Designed for 150,000 tons of automotive exposed panels per year

TAGAL is a leading hot-dip-galvanized steel supplier for the automotive industry in China and Southeast Asia. Established in 2002 by thyssenkrupp Steel Europe and Ansteel, TAGAL is renowned for its superior quality, innovative products, state-of-the-art technology, and tailored services. Operating four hot-dip galvanizing lines across three locations in China, TAGAL boasts a total capacity of 1.7 million tons per year.

The project began on November 15th, 2022, when TAGAL partnered with SMS group to plan the construction of RCL2. Designed to yield an annual output of 150,000 tons for automotive exposed panels, the line demands optimal surface quality.

SMS group handled the comprehensive design, equipment supply, and on-site technical support for the RCL2. Stringent design specifications for line equipment and a tight project timeline presented significant challenges from the outset. Additionally, TAGAL requested the integration of distinctive new features into the system, leading to further refinement and enrichment of the design with cutting-edge technology.

The RCL2 is equipped with an entry section shear, space provision for a laser welder, horizontal inspection station for top and bottom side inspection, a side trimmer and exit shear. This comprehensive setup allows for precise processing of the material. The line handles strip widths ranging from 700 to 1,900 mm and strip thicknesses from 0.4 to 3.0 mm. Operating at a process speed of up to 300 m/min, RCL2 ensures efficient production while maintaining stringent quality standards. These technical specifications reflect TAGAL's commitment to excellence and enable the company to meet the diverse needs of its customers.

Proven modules of the X-Pact® electrics and automation system are key elements in the successful implementation of the RCL2 project, ensuring that all of the customer's plant components operate in perfect harmony. The automation system was completely installed, tested, and pre-optimized under realistic conditions during the X-Pact® Plug & Work procedure in the test field. The pre-assembled electrical rooms, designed by SMS as container-type units, house the electrical and automation hardware, saving the customer on-site construction costs.

The project's success is attributed to the strong partnership among various stakeholders, including experts from SMS, as well as the dedicated TAGAL project team. Their joint commitment and teamwork created a seamless collaboration, enabling this remarkable achievement.

The successful commissioning of RCL2 underscores TAGAL's commitment to the highest quality standards and further strengths its position as a leader in the automotive steel industry.