The commissioning of the four state-of-the-art lines is another step forward in the collaboration between SMS group and SDI, aimed to expand SDI’s production capacities for coated steel strips to meet the growing demand.

In Sinton and Heartland, two identical new Continuous Galvanizing Lines (CGLs) with an annual capacity of 278,000 t/year each, and two identical Color Coating Lines (CCLs) with capacities of 240,000 t/year each went into operation in December 2023 and April 2024. The CGLs are designed for the production of galvanized steel sheets, primarily used in the construction industry and white goods for household appliances. A key advantage of the new CGLs is the ability to produce Al-Si coated steel. In addition, the CGLs include advanced technologies such as the Drever horizontal furnace and the DUMA-BANDZINK air-knife system to ensure efficient and high-quality production. With a maximum strip width of 1830 mm, the CGLs operate at a process speed of 198 m/min. 

The 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.

"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." comments Alexander Volland, SMS group Project Manager.

SMS group’s proven X-Pact^® packages of basic and process automation take an integrated and holistic approach in the realization of the four processing lines, ensuring that all system parts mesh with each other and work smoothly together. Along with the main focus on process guidance for operation and control, the innovative, structured, and modularized Level 1 and Level 2 software architecture facilitates multi-directional connectivity. The X-Pact^® Level 1 system is completely based on the state-of-the-art Siemens TIA platform.

This proven approach from SMS group 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 virtual commissioning of the automation system during the X-Pact^® Plug & Work integration tests prior to its commissioning on-site.

These advancements reflect SDI's commitment to the highest quality standards and enable the company to meet the growing demands and diverse needs of its customers. With advanced technologies from SMS group, these investments underscore the determination of both companies to further strengthen their positions in the steel industry.