Primetals Technologies has received the final acceptance certificate (FAC) regarding the upgrade at the AFV Beltrame Stahl Gerlafingen’s wire rod mill in Gerlafingen, Switzerland.
Producing an average of over 700,000 tons of low-CO2 steel each year, Stahl Gerlafingen is the largest producer of recycled steel in Switzerland.
The upgrade includes an intelligent pinch roll and laying head utilising electrical motors and drives, as well as an automation system.
The mill’s wire rod outlet will produce 600,000 tons per year of six to 20 mm quenched rebar and 5.5 to 20 mm low carbon wire rod.
Stahl Gerlafingen’s previous laying head caused multiple issues, including excessive vibration that led to unplanned shutdowns, poor front-end orientation and uneven coil package.
To address these issues, Stahl Gerlafingen contracted Primetals Technologies whose sixth generation laying head provided the necessary solution.
Christiane Hess, Technical Project Manager for Stahl Gerlafingen, stated: “Thanks to the new screw technology, both the start and end of the coil are now placed significantly more precisely and stably in the coil formation area.
“Additionally, the new equipment allows for higher production speeds and a more powerful drive mechanism, improving overall process stability and product quality.”
The new laying head includes a tension monitoring system that utilises laser speed gauges to measure product movement and position.
The new solution immediately improved front end orientation once installed and running. This effectively removed vibrations, significantly reduced unplanned mill stops and increased production.
