Carpenter Technology produces superalloys, special stainless steels, and soft magnetic alloys, among others, for applications in the aerospace, defense, transportation, energy, industrial, medical, and consumer electronics markets. Founded in 1889, it remains a pioneer in premium specialty alloys. The new Steckel mill produces soft magnetic alloys required for consumer electronics and electric vehicles, while also expanding Carpenter Technology’s range of flat-rolled products. The line was installed at Carpenter Technology’s existing manufacturing facilities in Reading, Pennsylvania, USA.
Challenge
The main challenges for Carpenter Technology were to improve product quality, expand its high-quality product mix, optimize the supply chain, and process a vast range of materials with varying process requirements on a single hot mill line.
Laminar cooling system
Solution
Primetals Technologies was the supplier of choice for this project after demonstrating that their class-leading Steckel mill technology could be adapted to meet the demanding and specialist requirements of the Carpenter Technology product mix. With strong project management and project execution credentials, the entire scheme of work—from engineering design, equipment manufacture, supply, and installation—could be achieved within a 20-month timeframe. The entire project was successfully delivered at a competitive market price.
Scope of Supply
Primetals Technologies was responsible for the design, supply, and supervision of installation and commissioning for the mechanical, fluids, electrical, and automation equipment.
The scope included:
- Primary descaler
- Slab weight measurement
- Rotary crop shear
- Edger
- Steckel mill with entry and exit Steckel coiler furnaces
- Laminar cooling system
- Down coiler
- Coil handling
- Coil inspection
Furnace passive deflector roll
Benefits
This unique mill has enabled Carpenter Technology to:
- Expand its range of specialty alloys
- Improve the quality of its high value-added products
- Optimize its supply chain for coil production
Conclusion
- Installation of a new Steckel mill for specialty alloy production
- Responsible for the design, supply, and supervision of installation and commissioning for the mechanical, fluids, electrical, and automation equipment
- The Steckel mill expanded Carpenter Technology’s range of specialty alloys and improved the quality of its high value-added products.
- Supply and installation were achieved within a 20-month timeframe and at a competitive market price.
