Yamato Steel upgrades heavy section mill

The upgrade featuring CCS technology promises not only higher product quality but also improved energy efficiency during the production process.

Yamato Steel, a manufacturer of beams and structural steel, has contracted SMS to modernize its section mill in Himeji, Japan, replacing two existing mill stands with new compact cartridge mill stands (CCS). 
According to SMS, the modernization project involves revamping the existing universal roughing (UR) and edger (E) mill stands with SMS’s CCS (compact cartridge stand) technology, which offers high stand rigidity for enhanced product quality. Its compact design makes the CCS suited for revamping brownfield plants such as Yamato Steel’s heavy section mill. The scope of supply includes the CCS 1000 and CCS 500 E mill stands, which are engineered to produce a wide range of products, including H- and I-beams, and U-type sheet piles. This equipment supports Yamato Steel in the production of heavy sections and sheet piles, SMS says.
The new mill stands feature universal and two-high rolling modes as well as hydraulic roll adjustment and quick-automatic change facilities. Additionally, the upgrade will incorporate new work roller tables with flange cooling and high-pressure descaling units. Also included in SMS’s scope of supply is the CCS tandem rolling mill control system (TCS), which enables real-time process control and ensures dynamic automatic gap control (AGC) as well as automatic roll gap setting after program changes. The TCS system is designed to optimize operational efficiency, improve product quality, and minimize downtimes.
The modernization of the mill stands is anticipated to be completed by the summer of 2028. SMS will provide the full scope of supply, including the engineering, core equipment, automation, technical assistance, spare parts, and changing parts, ensuring seamless integration into the existing process and automation landscape.
With the upgrade of its heavy section mill, Yamato Steel is set to enhance its operational capabilities and strengthen its position among Japanese structural and sheet pile.
Source: SMS group