Steel Dynamics Inc. to Expand Caster Size
SMS supplying new segments for larger blooms
Steel Dynamics Inc. has contracted SMS Demag to update its bloom caster at Pittsboro, IN, in a project that aims to increase the section sizes produced on the machine. Currently, it produce 10x14-in. blooms, which are rolled into engineered and merchant bar products. The Pittsboro plant also casts 7x7-in. billets for smaller-diameter long products.
According to SMS, it will supply its X-Cast mold assemblies, including copper molds, the “zero” segments, new soft reduction equipment, withdrawal and run-out guides, dummy-bar equipment and maintenance stands. Various other new components will be delivered, to help SDI convert the existing bloom caster to the new design.
Last year SDI announced a $35-million expansion project for Pittsboro, including $10 milllion for electric furnace and caster improvements, and $25 million for reheat furnace and rolling mill upgrades. The project was announced as an effort to increase capacity by about 50% to roughly 750,000 tons/year.
Later, in January of this year, SDI said the expansion would not be complete until early 2009 because of delays in equipment delivery.
SMS supplying new segments for larger blooms
Steel Dynamics Inc. has contracted SMS Demag to update its bloom caster at Pittsboro, IN, in a project that aims to increase the section sizes produced on the machine. Currently, it produce 10x14-in. blooms, which are rolled into engineered and merchant bar products. The Pittsboro plant also casts 7x7-in. billets for smaller-diameter long products.
According to SMS, it will supply its X-Cast mold assemblies, including copper molds, the “zero” segments, new soft reduction equipment, withdrawal and run-out guides, dummy-bar equipment and maintenance stands. Various other new components will be delivered, to help SDI convert the existing bloom caster to the new design.
Last year SDI announced a $35-million expansion project for Pittsboro, including $10 milllion for electric furnace and caster improvements, and $25 million for reheat furnace and rolling mill upgrades. The project was announced as an effort to increase capacity by about 50% to roughly 750,000 tons/year.
Later, in January of this year, SDI said the expansion would not be complete until early 2009 because of delays in equipment delivery.
