Shougang Jingtang’s Groundbreaking Ultra-Thin Steel Production Plant
Shougang Jingtang United Iron & Steel, a pioneering force in Chinese steelmaking, has set a new benchmark in the global steel industry with its successful trial production of 0.7 mm ultra-thin specifications at its QSP-DUE, Quality Strip Production – Danieli Universal Endless plant. Located in the Caofedian industrial area of Tangshan city, Hebei province, this advanced facility incorporates cutting-edge technologies designed to optimize production and increase flexibility in steel manufacturing.
This plant is the first of its kind in the world to operate in three distinct operational modes, enabling it to achieve maximum production flexibility and efficiency. The plant has significantly raised the bar in terms of rolling capabilities, particularly in the production of ultra-thin gauges of steel, allowing for high-quality output with precision and speed.
Danieli Universal Endless Technology
The Danieli Universal Endless technology is the cornerstone of Shougang Jingtang’s success. This state-of-the-art rolling technology enables the production of steel in various grades and thicknesses, including weathering steel, peritectic steel, alloy steels, TRIP, Transformation Induced Plasticity, steel, and Dual Phase steel. The plant is capable of rolling widths ranging from 900 mm to 1,600 mm and thicknesses ranging from 0.8 mm to 12.7 mm, all while surpassing the plant's original design expectations.
One of the key innovations of the QSP-DUE plant is its ability to produce light and ultra-light gauges, including 60% of production below 1.5 mm, which is crucial in meeting the growing demand for thin-gauge steel in industries such as automotive, appliances, and construction. These ultra-thin materials are increasingly sought after due to their lightweight and high-strength properties, making them essential for modern manufacturing processes.
Impressive Casting and Productivity Milestones
The QSP-DUE plant features the Danieli-patented DySen caster, a critical component that allows for uninterrupted casting over long durations. The caster achieved a remarkable casting speed of 6.0 m/min, with a sequence length of 29 heats over an uninterrupted period of 16.7 hours. This technological feat highlights the plant's ability to operate at high capacity, ensuring continuous production and increased operational efficiency.
With its advanced design and state-of-the-art technology, the plant’s monthly productivity has reached an impressive level, producing close to 200,000 metric tons of high-quality steel. This productivity rate positions Shougang Jingtang as a global leader in the production of ultra-thin and high-performance steel grades.
Strategic Advantage in the Competitive Chinese Market
The Chinese steel industry is highly competitive, with domestic demand being driven by multiple sectors, including automotive, construction, and appliance manufacturing. As one of the largest steel markets in the world, the challenge for producers is to meet growing demand while also keeping pace with technological advancements and market trends.
By maximizing the production of light and ultralight gauges, with over 60% of production below 1.5 mm, the Shougang Jingtang QSP-DUE plant is positioning itself as a key player in the Chinese market. The ability to produce ultra-thin steel at such high efficiency gives Shougang Jingtang a competitive edge, enabling it to respond to market shifts and meet industry needs in a way that many competitors cannot match.
Additionally, the plant's flexibility to roll various steel grades and thicknesses means it can cater to diverse market demands, further enhancing its competitive advantage. Whether it’s weathering steel for construction or dual-phase steel for automotive applications, the Shougang Jingtang facility is equipped to handle multiple requirements simultaneously.
Environmental and Operational Benefits
The plant's adoption of endless rolling technology and efficient casting processes has a significant impact on reducing energy consumption and improving overall sustainability. By optimizing material usage and reducing scrap, the QSP-DUE plant contributes to a lower environmental footprint, helping Shougang Jingtang meet green manufacturing goals and comply with environmental standards.
Moreover, the production flexibility offered by the facility means it can quickly switch between different product types based on demand, further reducing energy usage and streamlining operations. This adaptability also ensures that the plant remains highly competitive, even in an environment where the global steel industry faces increasing pressure to meet both demand and sustainability targets.
The Future of Steel Production
Shougang Jingtang’s success with its QSP-DUE plant marks a major milestone in steel manufacturing technology. With its capability to produce ultra-thin gauges, high-quality grades, and high productivity rates, the plant sets a precedent for future advancements in steel production. As the plant continues to push the boundaries of what’s possible in steelmaking, it also sets the stage for other producers to adopt innovative technologies in order to stay competitive in a global market that is ever-evolving.
This new chapter in steelmaking reflects a growing trend towards advanced manufacturing, where flexibility, efficiency, and sustainability are key factors in achieving success. With the QSP-DUE plant leading the charge, Shougang Jingtang United I&S is well-positioned to continue its dominance in the global steel industry, setting new standards for both quality and production capability.
