Pickling Line/Tandem Cold Mill, SSAB (Sweden)

The Pickling Line / Tandem Cold Mill (PL/TCM) for SSAB Luleå combines a continuous turbulence pickling line with the Continuously Variable Crown (CVC)^® plus 4‑high tandem cold rolling technology in a compact layout. This enables SSAB to produce high‑quality cold‑rolled strip economically in a single continuous process while minimizing operating costs and enhancing sustainability.

The plant comprises two main sections: The main units on the entry side are a pay‑off reel, laser welder, tension leveler, horizontal coil storage and a high‑performance turbulence pickling line for removal of scale and oxides.  Next in line is the mill section consisting of several mill stands and a continuous exit section with drum shear, double or carousel reel, and the inspection unit "Rotary Inspect" in inline configuration. By directly coupling pickling and rolling, the PL/TCM ensures an uninterrupted production flow without intermediate buffering and achieves a throughput of  up to 2 million t/a cold strip at a process speed of 145 m/min.

Cold rolling of 3rd generation advanced high‑strength steels (AHSS) is made possible by high specific rolling forces (kN/mm). Therefore, to prevent roll contact pressure from reaching critical levels — which could, among other effects, cause spalling of work rolls — the use of 4‑high mill stands is the appropriate solution. The high stiffness of these 4‑high stands also sustainably reduces operational costs for roll purchase and grinding, as well as the indirect carbon emission footprint associated with the roll manufacturing process.

To ensure top quality, SSAB relies on state-of-the-art cold rolling actuators — CVC®plus, EDC® (Edge Drop Control) and ESS (Enhanced Shifting System) — which extend the roll‑gap adjustment range and secure superior strip flatness, defined surface roughness and precise surface characteristics, ensures compliance with SSAB’s stringent requirements for the tightest thickness tolerances across the strip width. To complement these rolling technologies and maintain the achieved surface and dimensional quality throughout production, SMS group also provides integrated roll shop solutions.