First 350 mm slabs produced in Salzgitter – New construction of the continuous casting line 4

view larger image

The new teeming platform of continuous casting line 4

At the beginning of the year 2006 the idea was born to produce “thick slabs” for the continuous casting line of the Group company Ilsenburger Grobblech GmbH. Within the framework of the investment program of Salzgitter Flachstahl 2012, detailed plans were developed in the middle of 2007 for the new construction of continuous casting line four.

The initial idea to convert one of the existing continuous casting line was discarded, as this was found to be less efficient. Therefore, the decision was made to pursue the new construction of a fourth continuous casting line.

Some 12,000 m³ of steel concrete, 3,500 tons of steel construction and 4,500 tons of machinery and plant components were involved in the construction of the continuous casting line 4. Construction work was completed within a timeframe of only three years and the first 350 mm slab was cast as scheduled in March of this year.

view larger image

The segments of the new continuous casting line

Continuous casting line 4 has a length of 34.42 meters, the layout of a circular arc-type plant and produces slabs with a width from 1,100 mm to 2,600 mm and thickness of 250 mm and 350 mm.
The slab dimension of 350 mm x 2,600 mm currently represents the largest continuous casting format in Central Europe. These large format slabs serve as input material for heavy plate production at Ilsenburger Grobblech GmbH. The new plant enables Salzgitter AG to extend the product range for heavy plate, which makes this portfolio even more flexible and attractive. Moreover, new technologies were implemented in order to enhance process reliability for special steel grades.