Salzgitter Flachstahl GmbH places an order with SMS Siemag for the implementation of the jointly developed near-net-shape caster (Belt Casting Technology)

Worldwide unique casting concept offers new steel grades and is resource-friendly

Salzgitter Flachstahl GmbH, the largest steel subsidiary of the Salzgitter Group, has placed an order with SMS Siemag AG for the construction of a near-net-shape caster in Peine. A fundamentally different and worldwide unique casting concept will thus be implemented for the first time on an industrial scale and enable the casting of new high-strength steels.

The advantages of the Belt Casting Technology are considerable energy and CO2 savings compared to conventional steel production. Furthermore, it enables the industrial production of HSD® steels (High Strength and Ductility).

Says Ulrich Grethe, CEO of Salzgitter Flachstahl GmbH: "In addition to an unusual formability, HSD® steels have a high strength and are thus ideally suited for use in automobiles. The use of HSD® steel plates here helps to conserve resources: Lighter, fuel-efficient vehicles can be built because compared with conventional steels, these light structural steels allow a higher reduction in weight. There density is approx. 5 % lower than that of conventional steels. Furthermore, the new technical concepts in Belt Casting open up a fully new materials spectrum that goes beyond HSD® steels".

The order for a first-time implementation worldwide of this plant technology on an industrial scale comprises basic and detail engineering, the supply of the entire mechanical equipment as well as the complete electrical and automation system, all ancillary equipment, erection and cold commissioning in Peine as well as the modification of an existing mill stand for the further processing of near-net-shape strip in Salzgitter.

According to Christian Geerkens, Executive Vice-President of the Steelmaking Plants/Continuous Casting Technology Division of SMS Siemag: "Our customer is thus putting a plant into operation which has an incredibly high energy-saving potential. This plant concept meets all the criteria in terms of profitability and ecological efficiency. We are very proud to implement this jointly with Salzgitter".

The project, which was developed also together with the Clausthal Technical University, will be supported in view of the attainable environmental effects by an investment grant of around Euro 19 million as part of the environmental innovation program of the Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety.