Operator-side view of the cold rolling mill at NCAAt the end of February 2023, a new aluminum cold rolling mill (CRM) at North China Aluminum New Material Technology Co Ltd (NCA) in Zhuozhou successfully rolled its first coil. The machine was supplied and installed in record time by
SMS group, in just 18 months from order placement.
SMS group implemented the new single-stand aluminum cold rolling mill at the NCA facility — the company is a flagship of China’s aluminum foil industry. NCA can roll a wide range on the CRM, from soft to hard aluminum grades in widths of between 1,000 and 1,800mm. The strips can be rolled to a minimum final thickness of 0.1mm — the plant has a production capacity of more than 80,000 tonnes per year.
SMS supplied the CRM in the six-high CVC plus (continuous variable crown) design complete with entry and exit area equipment, including pay-off and tension reel as well as all the relevant equipment for coil and sleeve handling and the required fluid systems. The ‘state of the art’ X-Pact Level 2 setup system provides optimal roll gap settings and the technological control systems ensure the tightest thickness and flatness tolerances. The multi-zone cooling system adds the finishing touch to excellent flatness results.
One highlight is the super-efficient inductive edge heating system developed by SMS to prevent tight strip edges, a phenomenon occurring during the aluminum cold rolling process. The system ensures highly accurate heating of the work rolls in the strip edge area. Compared to other hot edge preventing systems on the market, inductive heating operates with far less energy.
Advanced visualisation conceptSMS has equipped NCA’s CRM with the latest-generation X-Pact electric and automation system for aluminum rolling mills, comprising operating and sequence controls as well as controls for ancillary components, such as the rolling oil system and low-/high-pressure hydraulic units. The advanced visualisation concept behind the X-Pact Vision HMI, which features integrated faceplate technology, ensures harmonised operator guidance as well as safe and convenient operation of all the equipment.
The SMS scope of supply features a multi-plate filter (MPF), characterised by its modular design. The purpose of the highly efficient MPF is to clean the rolling oil used during the rolling process. The MPF will effectively help NCA to deal with ever-increasing energy costs and meet stricter requirements in reducing emissions and saving resources, including fluids and auxiliary materials. The hot commissioning and start-up of the plant are currently underway with successful results.
Klaus Siegert, expert design and product management cold rolling mills aluminium, SMS group, said: “For NCA we are implementing a cold rolling mill with ‘state of the art’ equipment that allows cost-effective and at the same time sustainable plant operation. An example is the inductive strip edge heating system.
“But this is also a remarkable achievement for the entire team, because NCA is a new customer and personal contact with NCA representatives was almost impossible due to the limitations of the coronavirus pandemic. The short commissioning is, of course, the primary benefit of our colleagues on site, but also of all others who have worked on the project.”