• Extensive caster revamp enables Chinese producer to expand into high-end plate market
• Single-Roll DynaGap (SRD) and dry-casting segments ensure high-quality thick plate production

A steel producer in eastern China has tasked Primetals Technologies with the supply and implementation of a 1-strand thick-slab continuous caster upgrade. The scope includes key mechanical equipment, a comprehensive Level 1 and Level 2 automaton solution, and implementation services. 

The project will expand the continuous caster’s thickness range up to 360 millimeters. With the new equipment, the producer will be able to manufacture plates for heavy-gauge, high-end applications, including the wind turbine sector. Annual capacity will be 1.9 million tons of high-quality slabs, with startup scheduled for mid-2026. 

High-Quality Thick Plate Production

The machine will be equipped with Single-Roll DynaGap (SRD) segments from Primetals Technologies, enabling dynamic alignment of individual casting gaps when production parameters such as steel grade, cooling grade, and casting speed change. The SRD segments apply forces of up to 4,000 kilonewtons per roll, ensuring supreme internal microstructures and defect-free, high-quality thick plates.  

Smart Segment is Primetals Technologies’ patented continuous bending and straightening concept. Combined with the Eco Star rolls, this solution results in significantly improved slab-surface quality. Featuring an internal cooling system, the Eco Star rolls are able to endure the high temperatures required to minimize surface defects. Additionally, as part of the upgrade, Primetals Technologies will also install new Smart Molds with a DynaWidth mold-width adjustment system, allowing for fast and smooth slab-width changes.

Enhanced Breakout Prevention and Increased Quality

The comprehensive automation solution ensures optimized casting conditions and greater flexibility. The Mold Expert system detects and prevents breakouts while analyzing the casting process inside the mold. Automated DynaGap soft and hard reduction systems allow dynamic roll-gap control to reduce centerline segregation and improve internal strand quality. 

The partnership between the producer and Primetals Technologies spans decades and encompasses numerous casting projects.

Primetals Technologies will supply and implement a 1-strand continuous caster at a Chinese steel producer.