Introduction: Nippon Yakin Kogyo, a renowned Japanese producer of high-performance stainless steel, has achieved a significant milestone in its production capabilities by successfully operating the first-ever HZ-Mill for stainless steel production. This breakthrough technology was supplied and commissioned by Primetals Technologies at the company’s Kawasaki plant. The HZ-Mill is a highly advanced split-housing 20-high reversing cold mill, which brings multiple advantages to the manufacturing process, including improved production efficiency, enhanced product quality, and better working conditions for operators.
The installation of the HZ-Mill marks a crucial step for Nippon Yakin Kogyo in meeting the growing demand for high-functionality stainless steel grades, particularly those used in demanding applications. With the ability to produce thinner stainless steel strips with improved precision, this new mill is poised to significantly enhance the company’s production capacity and streamline its operations.
Key Features of the HZ-Mill:
The HZ-Mill, a cutting-edge solution from Primetals Technologies, introduces a range of technological advancements that set it apart from conventional cold rolling mills. One of its most notable features is its large gap opening, which allows for smooth and easy strip threading. This gap opening also aids in quickly recovering from strip breakages, a common issue in cold rolling operations that can result in costly downtime.
Additionally, the HZ-Mill is equipped with a Double AS-U shape control system, a critical innovation that helps maintain a stable rolling process, even when dealing with challenging materials. This advanced shape control system allows for more precise production, ensuring that the final stainless steel coils meet the highest quality standards. By enhancing the stability and productivity of the rolling process, the HZ-Mill helps Nippon Yakin Kogyo increase efficiency while maintaining exceptional product quality.
Replacing Two Monoblock Cold Rolling Mills:
Before the installation of the HZ-Mill, Nippon Yakin Kogyo relied on two monoblock cold rolling mills at its Kawasaki plant. These older machines were limited in their ability to produce highly functional stainless steel grades with the desired precision and thickness. The new HZ-Mill replaces these two monoblock mills, significantly enhancing the plant's production capabilities.
By adopting this new technology, Nippon Yakin Kogyo can now produce stainless steel coils with thicknesses as thin as 0.2 millimeters and widths up to 1,350 millimeters. The HZ-Mill operates at a maximum rolling speed of 1,000 meters per minute, allowing the plant to increase its output and meet the rising demand for precision-engineered stainless steel grades. This advancement is particularly crucial for industries that require high-quality, thin stainless steel products, such as electronics, automotive, and construction.
Production Enhancements and Worker Safety:
In addition to its advanced rolling capabilities, the HZ-Mill is designed with a larger fume-exhaust system that helps improve the working environment at the Kawasaki plant. By removing excess fumes and pollutants generated during the rolling process, the system contributes to a safer and cleaner environment for operators and other plant personnel. This addition underscores Nippon Yakin Kogyo's commitment to worker health and safety, as well as its dedication to sustainable manufacturing practices.
With the new HZ-Mill in operation, the plant is not only able to increase production capacity but also enhance the overall efficiency of its manufacturing processes. This is a key factor in maintaining Nippon Yakin Kogyo's competitive edge in the stainless steel market.
The Role of Primetals Technologies:
Primetals Technologies, a leading global provider of plant solutions for the metals industry, played a pivotal role in the successful implementation of the HZ-Mill at Nippon Yakin Kogyo’s Kawasaki plant. As the supplier and engineer of this advanced mill, Primetals Technologies was responsible for delivering all key mechanical and electrical components, as well as overseeing the commissioning services.
Primetals Technologies has been a trusted partner for Nippon Yakin Kogyo for many years, having collaborated on numerous projects aimed at improving production capabilities. This includes the supply of other critical equipment such as a Steckel mill, hot roughing mill, and skin-pass mill, all of which have contributed to Nippon Yakin Kogyo’s continued success as a leader in stainless steel production.
Increasing Demand for High-Performance Stainless Steel:
Nippon Yakin Kogyo has long been recognized for its expertise in producing high-performance stainless steel materials, including corrosion-resistant and heat-resistant grades. The company’s product range includes a wide variety of stainless steel sheets, particularly austenitic grades, which are used in demanding applications across industries such as aerospace, automotive, food processing, and more.
The HZ-Mill's ability to produce thinner, more precise coils at higher speeds allows Nippon Yakin Kogyo to meet the growing global demand for these high-performance materials. The investment in this new mill demonstrates the company's commitment to staying at the forefront of stainless steel production and ensuring it can continue to meet the evolving needs of its customers.
Key Takeaways:
• First-Ever HZ-Mill for Stainless Steel: Nippon Yakin Kogyo has successfully produced its first coil using the new HZ-Mill, marking a significant innovation in stainless steel production.
• Replaces Two Monoblock Mills: The new HZ-Mill replaces two older monoblock cold rolling mills, improving production capacity and enabling the production of thinner and more precise stainless steel coils.
• Technological Advantages: The HZ-Mill features advanced technology, including a large gap opening for easy strip threading and a Double AS-U shape control system for better rolling stability and productivity.
• Increased Production Capacity: The mill can produce coils with thicknesses as thin as 0.2 millimeters and widths up to 1,350 millimeters, operating at speeds of up to 1,000 meters per minute.
• Enhanced Worker Safety: The larger fume-exhaust system incorporated into the HZ-Mill improves air quality and creates a safer working environment for plant personnel.
• Partnership with Primetals Technologies: Primetals Technologies was responsible for supplying and commissioning the mill, building on a long-standing collaboration with Nippon Yakin Kogyo.
• Meeting Market Demand: The new mill allows Nippon Yakin Kogyo to meet the increasing demand for high-performance stainless steel, especially in industries such as automotive, aerospace, and food processing.
