Severstal TPZ Sheksna, Russia, has successfully commissioned the RD-410 welded tube line supplied by SMS Meer, Germany.

The new line with an annual capacity of 300kt/y plays an important role in the plant’s strategy to develop high-quality products enabling it to use rolled steel produced on site not only for export, but also for the Russian market.

The main products are structurals that are used, for example, as supporting elements in the construction of large buildings and stadium.

The line consists of a strip preparation section, spiral strip accumulator, the tube welding machine with straightedge forming section, the travelling cut-off unit and the transport facilities with automatic bundler.

The roll stands are equipped with a quick-change system developed by SMS Meer. The quick size changing is further enhanced by the computer-aided CSS Quicksetting System.

This technology makes changes in the tube sizes not only possible in a minimum of time, but also quickly reproducible. In combination with the high line speed of up to 45m/min, this permits efficient production and high productivity.

Severstal TPZ started construction of the completely new works in Sheksna in 2007; it is now the first operative production facility in the newly established Sheksna Industrial Park located about 50km from the Severstal main works in Cherepovets.