Technological advancements in rolling stability and quality
SMS group completed a technological upgrade of the hot strip mill elevating flatness and coil shape. The upgrade included an integrated strip steering package with mechanical side guiding, roll alignment control, and six camera-based systems for real-time strip position feedback. X-Pact® Centerline Control provided closed-loop corrections, reducing unplanned roll changes and improving stability. These enhancements reduced rework coils and increased productivity. The project was executed during regular shutdowns, avoiding extra downtimes through thorough preparation and cooperation.
SMS group has successfully completed a technological upgrade of the hot strip mill complex it originally supplied to Çolakoğlu Metalurji for its site in Kocaeli, Türkiye. This upgrade has significantly enhanced rolling stability and the quality of strip production, particularly in terms of strip flatness and coil shape. The improvements have also led to reduced maintenance requirements in the finishing mill.
The scope of supply included an integrated strip steering package, which features mechanical side guiding equipment, roll alignment control strategies, and six camera-based measuring systems for real-time feedback on strip position. These cameras, designed to withstand harsh environmental conditions, were installed on top of the finishing mill stands (F2-F7) and provide a view of the strip on the interstand looper. X-Pact® Centerline Control uses a closed-loop algorithm to calculate any strip centerline deviation, providing levelling correction signals for the mill stands.
As a result of these enhancements, unplanned roll changes have been reduced, and rolling stability has improved throughout the hot strip mill. The upgrade has also minimized tail end problems when rolling thin strips and improved strip surface and strip geometry, ensuring high-quality production. Additionally, the reduced number of rework coils and spare parts has significantly decreased maintenance work, boosting productivity levels at Çolakoğlu Metalurji.
The collaboration between SMS group and Çolakoğlu Metalurji exemplifies the potential for integrated solutions to enhance plant performance throughout its lifecycle. The upgrade was executed during regular shutdowns, avoiding the need for additional downtimes, thanks to intensive preparation and close cooperation between both parties.
SMS group’s extensive expertise in commissioning as well as its newly developed technological concept for integrated strip guidance were decisive factors in choosing SMS group as our partner. The installation of guides and centerline control has been a game changer for our mill. We see improvements in rolling stability, coil shape, and strip flatness, and are now able to reduce our maintenance effort.
