Equipment upgrades and advanced automation for higher efficiency
SMS group is modernizing Hyundai Steel’s continuous galvanizing line #1 (CVGL#1) at Dangjin, Korea, in a two-phase project to enhance productivity and reliability of the plant.
The collaboration between Hyundai Steel and SMS group dates back to 2005, when SMS group converted the original continuous annealing line (CAL) into one of the world’s first combined CAL/CGL lines. With the current modernization, this partnership is further strengthened, and the line is upgraded to meet the latest technological standards.
The modernization is executed in two phases to increase process reliability, strip quality and operational efficiency while minimizing production risk.
Phase 1, completed in December 2024, focused on upgrading the section downstream of the skin-pass mill. Key improvements included a new strip washer, strip dryer, and a streamlined four-roll bridle system with individual drives. SMS group supplied advanced bridle motors and drives, along with the X-Pact® Line Drive Control for precise tension and elongation control, ensuring cleaner strip surfaces and stable high-speed operation.
Phase 2, started in February 2025, focuses on the skin‑pass mill: the upgrade involves transitioning from older hardware to the latest X-Pact® Embedded controller and updating logi.CAD software. New hydraulic blocks are manufactured in the SMS workshop, and servo valves are supplied by HGC control. The entire system is subsequently integrated into the existing HMI (Human Machine Interface). This phase addresses improvements to the hydraulic and mechanical systems to advance strip tension control.
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.