An eastern Chinese steel producer has commissioned Primetals Technologies to upgrade its 1-strand thick-slab continuous caster. The project includes key mechanical equipment, Level 1 and 2 automation solutions, and implementation services.

The upgrade will expand the caster's thickness range to 360mm, enabling the production of heavy-gauge plates for high-end applications such as wind turbines. The revamped caster will have an annual capacity of 1.9 million tons of high-quality slabs, with startup expected in mid-2026.

The major technologies include Single-Roll DynaGap (SRD) segments, Smart Segment with Eco Star rolls, and Smart Molds with a DynaWidth mold-width adjustment system, enhancing quality and preventing breakouts.

The collaboration between the two companies has lasted for many years and includes a variety of casting projects.