Medium section mill, Duferco (Italy)

The medium section rolling mill of Duferco Steel in Brescia, Italy, is powered entirely by renewable energy, marking a significant step towards sustainable steel production.

With the mill Duferco is able to reach a yearly output of 750,000 tons of long products. The mill includes the latest CCS® (Compact Cartridge Stand)  tandem mill stands featuring strengthened guide holders, a new chock design and the new Technological Control System TCS plus. The TCS plus system and low-temperature rolling capabilities enhance Duferco's efficiency, reduce hydraulic power consumption and optimize resource use, supporting its goal to become Europe's most cost-effective and environmentally friendly steel beam producer.

The project shows a holistic approach to sustainable steel production, integrating renewable energy and efficient resource management. The new medium section rolling mill is powered entirely by renewable energy, thanks to Duferco's pioneering green Power Purchase Agreement (PPA), ensuring that the mill's operations are environmentally friendly and aligned with global efforts to reduce carbon emissions.

The mill incorporates CCS^® (Compact Cartridge Stand) tandem mill stands, which are designed to minimize hydraulic power consumption. This not only enhances energy efficiency but also contributes to resource conservation, reducing the need for alloying elements through low-temperature rolling capabilities. 

The integration of SMS group's TBK autonomous laser measurement solution PROgauge in the medium section rolling mill contributes to sustainability by minimizing material waste and ensuring high product quality through precise, real-time measurements. By detecting anomalies early and enabling real-time production adjustments, these technologies reduce the need for rework and scrap. The laser-based PROgauge light section measuring device, including the SurfTec surface defect detection system enables Duferco to measure the sections inline and to detect and analyze surface defects that may occur during the rolling process.