Fujian Kebao’s Strategic Expansion: A Leap Forward in Silicon Steel Production
Fujian Kebao Metal Products, a subsidiary of Sanbao Group, has entered a new era in its steel production capabilities. The company has secured an order with Primetals Technologies to supply a state-of-the-art continuous tandem cold mill (CTCM) for its steel plant in Zhangzhou, Fujian Province. This cutting-edge facility will be pivotal in supporting Sanbao Group's ambitious goals of becoming a dominant player in the production of high-quality silicon steel and tinplate in the competitive Chinese market.
Silicon steel, a crucial component in many electrical applications, including transformers, motors, and electric vehicles, is in high demand globally. To meet this increasing demand, Fujian Kebao is capitalizing on its parent company’s industrial expertise and expanding its capacity to produce these high-value materials. The investment in this new cold mill will bolster the company’s production volume while ensuring the highest quality standards in the industry.
The New Continuous Tandem Cold Mill: Precision Engineering and Automation
The new 6-stand continuous tandem cold mill (CTCM), supplied by Primetals Technologies, will significantly enhance Fujian Kebao’s steel processing capabilities. Initially, the mill will have a capacity of over one million metric tons annually, with output expected to increase as the system is optimized for peak efficiency. This will allow Fujian Kebao to meet both growing domestic demand and the rising global need for high-performance steel.
One of the key advantages of this new mill is its ability to meet rigorous thickness and flatness tolerances. The mill’s design focuses on achieving high precision in steel production, which is critical when producing silicon steel for specialized applications. Primetals Technologies has designed the mill to incorporate advanced features, such as chamfered shiftable work rolls, which optimize the strip edge profile. This technology ensures that there is minimal edge drop, resulting in superior strip quality.
To further ensure the best possible edge quality, a multi-channel edge drop thickness gauge has been integrated into the system after the final stand. This system will minimize edge drop variations, leading to a more consistent strip profile and better overall product quality.
Advanced Automation for Optimal Control and Efficiency
A standout feature of this cold mill is its cutting-edge automation system. Primetals Technologies will provide a comprehensive electrics and automation solution, which includes both Level 1 and Level 2 automation systems. This advanced system is crucial for ensuring precision manufacturing, which is vital when producing silicon steel with stringent quality requirements.
The process models incorporated in the mill will be based on self-learning neural networks. These networks will allow the mill to optimize thickness control, edge drop control, and shape control, ensuring that the production process consistently meets the highest quality standards. This intelligent technology helps the mill adjust parameters in real time based on feedback from the production process, ensuring that production parameters are fine-tuned for optimal efficiency and quality.
To complement the advanced control systems, Primetals Technologies will also supply the drive system, including the medium-voltage main drives and PLC cubicles. The electrical system will be based on the Totally Integrated Automation (TIA) portal, which integrates all of the control functions into a unified platform. This integration ensures that the cold mill operates smoothly and efficiently, maximizing its operational performance while ensuring minimal downtime.
The combination of advanced automation and state-of-the-art drive systems will ensure Fujian Kebao can maintain a highly stable and continuous production process. This will maximize production efficiency, allowing the company to ramp up output to meet growing market demand for high-quality silicon steel and tinplate.
Expanding Steel Product Processing with Strategic Investments
Fujian Kebao’s partnership with Primetals Technologies is part of a broader strategic vision by Sanbao Group to enhance its capabilities in steel product processing. With decades of experience in the steel industry, Sanbao Group operates LD converter (BOF) facilities and electric arc furnace (EAF) minimills. These facilities enable the group to produce steel products that serve a wide range of industries, including ocean engineering, shipbuilding, high-pressure vessels, and automotive manufacturing.
The new continuous tandem cold mill will specifically boost Fujian Kebao's ability to produce high-grade silicon steel, an essential material for applications in electrical engineering and the automotive sector, where high-performance steel is required. Additionally, the mill will produce tinplate, further diversifying Fujian Kebao's product offerings and strengthening its position in the global market.
By increasing its production of these high-demand products, Fujian Kebao will contribute to the global shift toward sustainable and electric technologies, such as electric vehicles and renewable energy systems. The company’s high-grade silicon steel will be pivotal in industries focused on improving energy efficiency and reducing carbon emissions.
The Road Ahead: Meeting Global Demands for High-Quality Steel
As the demand for high-performance steel continues to grow, particularly in industries such as renewable energy, electric vehicles, and high-tech manufacturing, companies like Fujian Kebao are investing in state-of-the-art technologies to ensure they stay ahead of the competition. This new continuous tandem cold mill (CTCM) technology will allow Fujian Kebao to achieve exceptional production quality while maintaining efficiency and cost-effectiveness.
The ability to meet global demand for high-quality silicon steel will significantly enhance Fujian Kebao’s reputation as a leading steel producer. This will not only allow the company to strengthen its position in the Chinese market but also expand its reach in international markets, where the demand for advanced steel grades is rising.
Key Takeaways:
• Fujian Kebao has placed an order for a continuous tandem cold mill (CTCM) from Primetals Technologies to increase its production capacity for high-grade silicon steel and tinplate.
• The mill’s initial capacity will exceed one million metric tons annually, with expectations for substantial output growth over time.
• Primetals Technologies will provide engineering, mechanical equipment, and a complete automation solution, ensuring precise production standards.
• The CTCM will meet rigorous thickness and flatness tolerances, enhancing product quality through advanced control systems.
• Self-learning neural networks will optimize thickness control, edge drop control, and shape control for high-precision manufacturing.
• Primetals Technologies will supply the drive system, including medium-voltage main drives and PLC cubicles, with a fully integrated automation system using the Totally Integrated Automation (TIA) portal.
• Fujian Kebao will use the new mill to increase production of silicon steel grades and tinplate, further diversifying its product offerings and supporting industries like electrical engineering, automotive, and renewable energy.
• Sanbao Group, the parent company of Fujian Kebao, operates LD converter (BOF) and electric arc furnace (EAF) facilities, further strengthening its position in steel production.
• This new CTCM investment aligns with Sanbao Group’s broader strategy to become a leading producer of high-performance steel in global markets.
By embracing cutting-edge technology and innovative automation, Fujian Kebao is paving the way for a new era in steel manufacturing, poised to meet the future needs of industries driven by high-tech innovations and sustainability.
