Kardemir upgrades production capabilities with new five-strand combi-continuous caster
The new five-strand bow-type combi-continuous caster is designed for versatile production across a wide range of formats and steel grades, featuring rapid changeover capabilities to maximize operational efficiency. The caster is engineered to produce three square billet, one bloom and one beam blank sections, achieving a flexible annual capacity of 1.2 million tons to meet shifting market and customer demands. SMS Concast and Kardemir extend their 25-year partnership with the new five strand combi continuous caster, strengthening Kardemir’s position as a leader in the Turkish steel sector.
The new continuous casting machine, featuring a 10.25‑metre radius, offers high operational flexibility and availability. Integrated SMS technologies elevate product quality and ensure reliable casting performance. A large tundish combined with the CONFLOW stopper mechanism maintains stable and accurate steel level in the SMS Concast’s mold tubes and CONSTIR mold and final electromagnetic stirrers (MEMS, FEMS) guarantee internal metallurgical homogeneity. The CONDRIVE driven back lever oscillation enables precise online control of mold oscillation parameters (amplitude, frequency and oscillation profile) for optimal surface quality. The three withdrawal and straightening units (WSU) together with an automatic torch cutting machine ensure a smooth transit of the cast material into the discharge area. The scope of supply comprises advanced level‑1 and level‑2 automation systems, including level‑2 hardware with fault‑tolerant design for continuous operation. These systems provide process control and optimization, reduce dependence on pulpit‑operator subjectivity, support product certification and contribute to sustained plant availability and consistent product quality.
Our longstanding and trustful partnership with SMS group has enabled us to work effectively towards realizing this project. We are confident of achieving a swift and seamless project execution, setting a new standard in the Turkish steel industry.