Colakoğlu Enhances Hot Strip Mill to Enter Wear-Resistant Steel Market
Colakoğlu Metalurji AS, a prominent steel producer located in Dilovası, Turkey, has recently placed an order with SMS group for the modernization of the laminar cooling section and the downcoiler in its 1,850-millimeter hot strip mill. This significant upgrade will enable Colakoğlu to produce wear-resistant steel grades, a move that positions the company to tap into growing markets in industries such as mining, construction, and agriculture.
Strengthening a Long-Term Partnership
Colakoğlu Metalurji AS and SMS group have maintained a trustful and longstanding partnership since 2010, when SMS group initially supplied the 1,850-millimeter hot strip mill to the Turkish producer. Over the years, this collaboration has led to multiple technological advancements, including the most recent mill upgrade. This prior modernization by SMS group has improved product quality, stabilized rolling processes, and significantly reduced maintenance costs at the finishing mill, laying the groundwork for the next phase of innovation.
The current project focuses on enhancing Colakoğlu's ability to produce wear-resistant hot strip grades. These materials are vital for producing truck beds, excavator buckets, and other mining equipment. Wear-resistant steel is typically quenched during production, and this upgrade will enable Colakoğlu to achieve faster cooling rates, crucial for producing this specialized product.
Modernization of Laminar Cooling for Enhanced Cooling Rates
A major element of the upgrade involves the laminar cooling section, where steel products are rapidly cooled after rolling. SMS group will implement super-reinforced cooling technology that improves the cooling rate by nearly three times, ensuring the required hardness and strength for wear-resistant steel. The system will be equipped with new flow meters and control valves to improve flow control and maintainability, ultimately boosting the overall efficiency of the cooling process.
This modernization is not limited to wear-resistant grades; the enhanced cooling will also benefit other grades in Colakoğlu’s product mix. By improving the cooling rate, Colakoğlu can reduce alloying elements, which leads to a reduction in operating costs.
Advanced Control Systems for Seamless Integration
To ensure the smooth operation of the new cooling system and the entire mill, SMS group will upgrade the existing X-Pact® Cooling Section Control System. This will ensure a fully automated cooling process that is finely tuned to the new system's capabilities. Additionally, Colakoğlu will benefit from the X-Pact® Microstructure Property Model, a tool that predicts and monitors the mechanical properties of the steel. This technology helps reduce the number of material samples needed, saving both time and laboratory costs, while ensuring that products meet the required quality standards much faster.
Upgrading the Downcoiler for Improved Coiling Capabilities
An essential aspect of the wear-resistant steel production process is the coiling phase, where the hot-rolled steel is wound into coils. This process is particularly critical for wear-resistant grades, as they need to be coiled at low temperatures, below the martensitic transformation temperature. To meet this requirement, Colakoğlu will upgrade its downcoiler’s drive train and reinforce chute roller tables with position/force control for precise and efficient operation.
These upgrades are essential for ensuring that Colakoğlu can produce high-quality wear-resistant steel grades at low temperatures, ensuring the steel maintains its desired properties and performance in demanding applications.
Minimizing Production Downtime During the Modernization
To minimize disruptions to Colakoğlu's ongoing operations, SMS group plans to pre-assemble much of the new equipment before delivery. This approach will significantly reduce downtime during the installation phase and ensure a smoother transition to the upgraded mill. The new equipment is expected to be fully operational by the fall of 2026, allowing Colakoğlu to ramp up its production of wear-resistant steel in line with growing demand from industries that rely on durable materials for heavy-duty applications.
Positioning for Future Growth
With this modernization of its 1,850-millimeter hot strip mill, Colakoğlu Metalurji AS aims to solidify its position as a leading producer of high-performance steel grades in Turkey and beyond. The company is responding to the increasing demand for wear-resistant steel driven by the booming construction and mining industries. By enhancing its mill with advanced technology and increasing its cooling capabilities, Colakoğlu is setting itself up for sustainable growth and enhanced competitiveness in the global steel market.
As steel producers face growing demands for specialized steel products, technological advancements like those being implemented at Colakoğlu’s plant will help companies meet these challenges head-on and provide high-quality materials to industries that rely on durable, long-lasting steel.
