Primetals Technologies has recently achieved a significant milestone by receiving the final acceptance certificate from Yantai Walsin Stainless Steel for a newly installed stainless steel combination mill. This advanced facility is designed to produce an impressive 420,000 metric tons per year of stainless steel and nickel alloy products. The establishment of this mill comes in response to the growing local market demand for high-quality stainless steel products in China, which is becoming increasingly important as industries seek tighter tolerances and superior surface quality.
For Yantai Walsin, the new mill represents a strategic move to convert billets from its existing plant into finished products that not only meet but exceed market expectations. The mill's design allows for tighter tolerances and improved surface quality, which significantly reduces the amount of peeling after pickling, ultimately leading to lower production costs. This enhancement in quality is crucial for maintaining competitiveness in the stainless steel market, where precision and quality are paramount.
One of the standout features of the new combination mill is its bar-in-coil outlet, which incorporates in-line quenching for both austenitic and ferritic stainless products. This innovation minimizes the need for subsequent post-processing annealing, streamlining the production process and reducing operational costs. Additionally, Primetals Technologies has designed the equipment with future expansion in mind, allowing for the potential addition of an in-line solution for the direct treatment of wire rod products, further enhancing efficiency.
The project, located in Yantai, Shandong Province, China, was executed through a consortium that included Primetals Technologies and CERI Long Products. The scope of the project encompassed all electrical and automation systems, aligning with the principles of Industry 4.0. The combination bar and rod mill features three distinct outlets: a straight bar outlet for producing bars ranging from 40 millimeters to 130 millimeters, a bar-in-coil outlet for bars from 18 millimeters to 40 millimeters, and a wire rod outlet for rods from 5.5 millimeters to 18 millimeters.
The mill train is equipped with cutting-edge technology, including a next-generation breakdown mill, an induction heating system, and a roughing and intermediate mill without housing stands. These components feed into a cooling bed that is outfitted with abrasive saws, slow bin cooling, and bundle-forming stations, ensuring that the production process is both efficient and high-quality. The bar-in-coil outlet will utilize advanced high-speed pouring reels with direct quenching, while the rod outlet will feature a Morgan No-Twist Mill and a Morgan Rod Reducing/Sizing Mill, among other state-of-the-art equipment.
Quality control is a top priority for Primetals Technologies, and their electrical and automation solutions reflect this commitment. The project includes a Level 1 and Level 2 process automation system known as the Long Rolling Process Expert, which integrates Through-Process Quality Control functions. This system is designed to monitor and enhance the quality of production continuously, ensuring that Yantai Walsin can deliver top-notch stainless steel products consistently.
In a letter acknowledging Primetals Technologies as the consortium leader, Wen-Nan Hung, Vice President of Engineering at Yantai Walsin, praised the company for its comprehensive approach throughout the project. He stated, “Primtals Technologies took full responsibility for several critical aspects, including process design, process layout, and overall project execution.” Hung emphasized the reliability and competence of Primetals Technologies, noting that their contributions were vital to the successful completion of this ambitious project.
Walsin Lihwa Corporation, the parent company of Yantai Walsin, has a rich history since its establishment in 1966. The corporation operates across various sectors, including wire and cable production, stainless steel manufacturing, and renewable energy initiatives. This new stainless steel combination mill not only enhances Yantai Walsin's production capabilities but also positions the company as a key player in meeting the growing demand for high-quality stainless steel products in the region.
