NLMK Lipetsk has begun an upgrade of its 800kt/yr cut-to-length line for hot-rolled steel No. 2 (CTLL-2). The project will enable an expansion of the product range and the manufacturing of high-strength steel sheet with a thickness from 3 mm to 25 mm. Such steel is used to produce dump truck bodies, truck chassis, construction equipment, and other special-purpose machinery.
NLMK Group is the largest steelmaker in Russia and one of the most efficient in the world. Its steel products are used in various industries, from construction and machine building to the manufacturing of power-generation equipment and offshore wind turbines. The company operates production facilities in Russia, Europe, and the United States and its steel production capacity exceeds 18Mt/yr.
The upgraded process line will be capable of cutting thick steel, including high-strength grades. The overhaul will include the installation of an ultrasound control system to ensure the high quality of the metal’s internal structure, as well as a new strip leveller for homogeneous flatness characteristics.
The overhaul process will take eight months. During this period, steel strip will be redirected to other slitting lines. Investment in the project will exceed RUB 2 billion (US$27 million).