The Aluminum Dynamics LLC project in Columbus, Mississippi, continues to move forward with its goal of becoming a leader in the global aluminum market. With a focus on cutting-edge technology and operational efficiency, this facility is set to become a model of modern aluminum production, making a significant impact in the industry.
A critical phase in the project has been reached with the delivery and installation of the mill stands for both the hot and cold rolling mills—key equipment that will ensure the precision and flexibility of the production process. These mill stands, designed by SMS group, are now in place, bringing the project one step closer to its goal of creating a facility that meets the highest industry standards.
This milestone reflects the strong teamwork between SMS group and Aluminum Dynamics, who have worked closely together to ensure the successful delivery and installation of state-of-the-art technology for this advanced aluminum rolling mill.
The installation of the first mill stands was a very important milestone for this project and represents the commitment of our team to this project. We're excited about how these advancements will establish our new project capabilities and contribute to the project’s success.
Technological highlights: hot rolling mill
At the core of the Aluminum Dynamics facility is a 1+4 hot rolling mill configuration. This includes a roughing mill with an attached edger and a four-stand finishing mill, all featuring SMS group’s CVC® plus technology.
The finishing mill processes the transfer bar to the final strip thicknesses, ranging from 1.8 to 7 millimeters. With a width capability of up to 2,450 millimeters, this hot rolling mill is capable of producing aluminum strip for a wide variety of applications. The process technology is further enhanced by SMS group’s X-Pact® electrical and automation systems, ensuring consistent, high-quality production performance.
Advanced cold rolling mills: precision for automotive and can stock
In addition to the hot rolling mill, the Aluminum Dynamics facility is equipped with three state-of-the-art cold rolling mills, each featuring SMS group’s advanced CVC® plus technology. This technology ensures precise control over strip thickness and profile, contributing to high product quality and flexibility across various aluminum grades.
- The first two-stand tandem cold mill (TCM #1) is specifically designed for the automotive industry. It can process both highly formable 5xxx-series alloys for internal car body parts and 6xxx-series alloys for external, exposed car body parts. With a maximum strip width of up to 2,400 millimeters and a minimum thickness of 0.5 millimeters, the mill meets the stringent quality requirements of the automotive sector.
- The second two-stand tandem cold mill (TCM #2): Optimized for can stock production, this cold mill is designed for processing aluminum strip with thicknesses ranging from 0.15 to 3.5 millimeters. Equipped with the latest CVC® plus technology, the mill ensures precise control over strip dimensions and provides excellent surface quality, meeting the high standards required for food and beverage packaging materials.
- Single-stand cold rolling mill (CRM #1): This mill is designed to process a wide range of aluminum grades for both can stock and automotive applications. The six-high CVC® plus configuration allows for precise rolling of strip widths up to 2,200 millimeters, with a thickness range from 0.15 to 6 millimeters.
With the successful delivery and installation of these key components, the project continues its progress, with the commissioning and testing phases scheduled for mid-2025. Once operational, the Aluminum Dynamics facility will serve as a benchmark for the aluminum industry, integrating state-of-the-art technology with a strong emphasis on sustainability.
Our collaboration with SMS has enabled us to meet the highest industry standards. With these mills now in place, we are well-positioned to achieve our performance and sustainability goals.
This milestone demonstrates the shared vision of Aluminum Dynamics and SMS group in creating a high-efficient facility that will not only meet growing demand but also set new standards in environmental responsibility.