- One key advantage of the rolling line is zero usage of fossil fuels
- Endless rolling achieves casting speeds 3 times higher than conventional lines
SMS Group, a major German steel plant manufacturer, is increasing orders for an endless rolling line capable of continuous production of rebar. SMS is a latecomer to this line, but its features combine high energy efficiency with stable product quality, attracting attention and growing interest.
Since its commercialisation in 2023, it has secured four orders mainly in Europe and the US, and aims to acquire projects in Japan going forward.
Decarbonisation potential
Unlike conventional manufacturing methods where the continuous casting machine and steel mill are directly connected, there is no heating furnace step to raise the billet, enabling decarbonisation during production. SMS is strengthening its business as a decarbonised line that does not use fossil fuels.
Three types are offered under the brand name ‘CMT’, which stands for ‘Continuous Minimill Technology.’ They offer the ‘CMT350’ with an annual production capacity of 350,000 t, the ‘CMT 550’ with 550,000 t, and the 700,000 t ‘Doi 700’.
All of these have already received orders overseas, with some already in operation. The CMT350 was adopted by Future Forgeworks in Australia, which has been engaged in steel scrap as its main business. Completion is targeted for late 2027-early 2028.
The medium-sized CMT550 was delivered to Hybar, a new US electric furnace manufacturer, with one unit and full-scale operation starting in early 2026. The first unit received high praise, and a second order was secured this summer.
The CMT700, with its maximum capacity, was ordered in Romania, Eastern Europe. It is intended for the reconstruction of a steelworks acquired by the major local general contractor UMB Group, and is scheduled to be operational for 27 years.
Casting speed is key
Endless rolling, which directly connects steelmaking and rolling processes, also boasts world-class production efficiency for rebar steel, which is a major advantage. The key to achieving high productivity with CMT lies in the casting speed of the continuous casting machine. While Japanese rebar manufacturers use a casting speed of about 2 metres (m) per minute, CMT casting speeds exceed 6.5 m, more than three times higher. The key to high-speed casting lies in the unique mold ‘CONREX’, which has a rounded square cross-section at all four corners.
SMS sources said, “The casting speed of the first unit operating at Hyber in the US was 6.50 m per minute during the design phase, but in reality, it has improved by 10%, boasting a track record of 7.15 m.”
For rolling rebar, it supports both low-carbon products with excellent workability and high-strength, high-carbon products. Assuming customers may export semi-finished products, the product is also equipped with a function to switch manufactured products from rebar to billet. In addition to straight bars, rebar products can be finished in coil shapes with a maximum of 8 t per coil.
While endless rolling mills are spreading worldwide, domestically, only one such manufacturer has introduced Danieli products from Italy, such as Chiyoda Steel Industries, an electric furnace rod manufacturer.
A senior executive from SMS pointed out, “Japanese steel manufacturers are relentlessly pursuing productivity. We are entering the era of green steel, which reduces greenhouse gases during manufacturing. In addition to new installations, we are proposing to retrofit existing lines for an endless system, aiming to secure orders.”
Note: This article is published as part of an article sharing agreement between Japan Metal Daily and BigMint
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