The partnership between Hyundai Steel and SMS group dates back to 2005, when SMS group successfully converted the original continuous annealing line (CAL) into one of the first combined continuous annealing and galvanizing lines (CAL/CGL) globally. This foundational project established a strong and enduring collaboration, with the current modernization efforts further strengthening the line’s efficiency and operational capabilities.
The first phase of the modernization project involved the installation of new equipment downstream of the skin pass mill, including engineering for a strip washer, a strip dryer, and new bridle roll sets. These enhancements aimed to improve strip cleanliness and drying efficiency, which are crucial for maintaining optimal tension control and ensuring high-quality output. The objective was to dismantle the outdated tension leveler and replace the current configuration of eight-roll bridles with a streamlined four-roll bridle system, driven by four separate motors. SMS group delivered state-of-the-art bridle motors and drives, along with the X-Pact® Line Drive Control, for optimized strip drive control tailored to process requirements. The automation solution from SMS group combined optimal drive hardware with precise tension control and improved elongation control accuracy.
The new equipment allows for smoother operations at high processing speeds, increasing the line's productivity and reliability. The project was successfully completed with the Final Acceptance Certificate (FAC) issued in December 2024.
Building on the success of the first phase, the second phase commenced in February 2025, focusing on the modernization of the skin pass mill itself. This upgrade involves transitioning from older hardware to the latest X-Pact® Embedded controller, while simultaneously updating the software from logi.CAD's previous version to its latest iteration. The benefits of this technological advancement are substantial, enabling rapid commissioning within a matter of days and ensuring minimal changes to the software, thus mitigating any risk to production. This phase addresses improvements in hydraulic and mechanical systems to advance strip tension control. New hydraulic blocks are being manufactured in the SMS workshop, and servovalves are supplied by HGC control. Additionally, the hydraulics for the work roll and backup roll are being updated. The entire system will subsequently be integrated into the existing HMI (Human Machine Interface) system, with SMS group overseeing the automation and integration processes.
The ongoing partnership between Hyundai Steel and SMS group underscores the highlights of a lifecycle partnership. Commenting on the collaboration, Mr. Jin-Hyeong Park, Senior Manager / Cold Rolling Maintenance Team, at Hyundai Steel stated:
The choice of SMS group was driven by their longstanding expertise, having initially developed the conversion of our line into a CAL-CGL plant in 2005. We recognized SMS group as the ideal partner to ensure the precise and reliable execution of this revamping project
The successful implementation of the first modernization project and the initiation of the second phase are indicators of the strong collaboration and shared commitment to enhancing Hyundai Steel's production capacity and efficiency.