Hand in hand
Within the scope of the contract, SMS group supplied a multi-stage IAS induction heating plant, a vertical 20-MN piercing press, a 50-MN extrusion press and the run-out facilities. The pusher-type two-strand horizontal induction heating plant with integrated temperature equalization chambers processes billets of 204 to 380 millimeters in diameter. The billets are reheated in the four-station vertical induction heating plant before being prepared in the piercing and expansion press for the process in the tube press. After a three-station final heating process, the billets are transferred to the tube press. The run-out facilities with quench and cooling table are designed for extrusion lengths of up to 22 meters. SMS group also supplied associated ancillary equipment such as glass lubrication systems, manipulation and auxiliary equipment and a machine for making glass pads.
More product diversity through process expertise
In South Korea, SeAH Changwon Integrated Special Steel produces stainless steel bars, wire rod and tubes made of high-grade special steel grades for customers in the automotive, shipbuilding, energy and plant engineering industries. With the new tube extrusion press line, SeAH CSS will expand its capacities and be able to offer a wider range of tube diameters, wall thicknesses and extruded lengths. “We wanted to become more productive. We are sure that we will achieve this with our new extrusion line. Moreover, the extended range of products will allow us to open up new customer segments,” says CSS Corporate Senior Manager Kang Seung-Hoon.
With SMS group we had a perfect partner by our side, capable of offering the complete process chain - from reheating down to the finished tube - from a single source. We are very proud that our new line could be started up so early.
Record-breaking
The contract for the supply of the equipment had been signed in July 2015. Already during the engineering phase it became obvious that IAS, experts in induction solutions, and the SMS group’s extrusion press team worked very efficiently hand in hand.
The equipment was installed and commissioned in close cooperation with the SeAH project team. The first tube was extruded on January 20, 2017. The official inauguration took place on March 29. In recognition of the swift project execution, SeAH CSS CEO Lee Jee-Yong presented SMS group Executive Vice President Ulrich Vohskämper with a Plaque of Appreciation. “Less than 24 months from contract signing to the extrusion of the first tube was a genuine challenge,” said Vohskämper. “This was only possible thanks to the exceptional commitment of all involved, very intensive communication, a perfectly staffed project team and highly flexible planning of assembly and installation. A great job done on both sides.”