Leading Chinese steel producer Hebei Jinxi Iron and Steel Group has placed an order with Primetals Technologies for two continuous slab casters, each with a capacity of 2.5 million tons per year. The order also includes an extensive digitalization package with Level 1 and Level 2 automation systems, ensuring state-of-the-art process control and optimization. The casters will be implemented at Jinxi Steel’s plant near Tangshan, Hebei province, with startup scheduled for the end of 2026.
Advanced Slab Casting Technology
Jinxi Steel is making this investment to support its strategic goals of developing advanced, safe, and digitalized facilities focused on producing high-quality electrical steels, particularly high-grade non-oriented electrical steels (NOES) for new energy vehicle (NEV) applications.
The producer selected Primetals Technologies for its advanced slab caster technology, strong market presence, and proven references for 230-millimeter casting thickness. Jinxi Steel has also been pleased with the performance of its beam-blank caster from Primetals Technologies, which has been in operation since mid-2006.
Fast Slab-Width Changes
The new casters will feature a full range of advanced casting solutions. The LevCon system provides automated mold-level control with “autostart” casting functions and auto-adaptive dynamic bulging compensation. Combined with the Mold Expert system for breakout prevention, these technologies minimize downtime and enhance safety.
The DynaWidth mold-width adjustment system, together with the straight cassette-type Smart Mold, allows for fast and smooth slab-width changes. The fully automated DynaGap 3D roll-gap control system, featuring Smart Segments and I-Start rollers in the strand-guiding system, enables dynamic soft reduction for minimized centerline segregation and improved internal strand quality.
Among China’s Largest Enterprises
Founded in 1986, Hebei Jinxi Iron and Steel Group comprises more than 40 holding companies in China and abroad. The group has ranked among China’s 500 largest enterprises for 17 consecutive years. Jinxi Iron and Steel manufactures a wide range of products, including hot- and cold-rolled coil, plate, H-beams, tubes, pipes, rebar, and wire rod.
Key Specifications of Jinxi Steel’s New Continuous Slab Casters
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Capacity: 2 × 2.5 million tons per year
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Slab dimensions: 200–230 mm thickness; 800–1,800 mm width
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Steel grades: Low- to high-carbon, low-alloy grades, non-grain-oriented silicon steel, peritectic grades, API grades, high-strength steel, and vessel steel
