Taewoong has been relying on the partnership with SMS group for more than 20 years and attaches great importance to innovative technologies and systems for steel production. The company uses a variety of equipment supplied by SMS, such as a rolling mill and one of the world's largest continuous ring casters for round sections.
The new project includes the conversion and modernization of the existing ring rolling machine at Taewoong Steel. The scope of services includes the dismantling of the existing equipment as well as the assembly, monitoring and commissioning of the new equipment. After the modernization, the machine will be able to produce rings with a diameter of up to eleven meters, a height of up to 2.75 meters and a maximum weight of 95 tons. These dimensions are ideal for the production of components such as ring flanges that are used in steel tube towers for offshore wind turbines.
Modernization of the ring rolling machine
In particular, significant improvements will be implemented to the basic machine design, control systems and ring centering to optimize the production of larger rings and ensure consistent product quality. The modernization also includes the installation of new, water-cooled, frequency-controlled AC drives, which are characterized by low maintenance requirements. The machine's axial rolling force will also be increased and the main and axial rolls will be equipped with even more powerful drives, which will enable Taewoong to produce rings weighing close to 100 tons.
Change of operation
To minimize disruption, Taewoong will transition its operations to a modern two-shift model. The upgrade also includes a range of coordinated digital solutions, such as SMS Metrics and Smart Alarm. SMS Metrics evaluates sensor data to optimize operations, while Smart Alarm manages and improves alarm systems. This not only increases the uptime of the machines, but also reduces maintenance costs and thus optimizes production processes. Digital enhancement enables better analytics and more precise monitoring of equipment.
“For over 20 years we have been purchasing our machines from SMS group, which we consider to be the world's leading provider in the steel industry. Due to our strong trust in SMS group's technology, we decided to award our new order to SMS as well and to purchase all equipment, including ring rolling machines, blank presses and bloom casting machines, exclusively from SMS group," explains Yong-Do Huh, CEO of Taewoong.
Strengthening capacities
Taewoong Co., Ltd. will expand its market leadership in various industries by strengthening its capacities in the production of large rings, for example in the production of wind energy on land and at sea, in the area of small modular reactors (SMRs), in maritime and offshore construction as well as in the aerospace and defense sectors.
“The long-term partnership between Taewoong and SMS group is a clear sign of our mutual commitment to the highest standards in the metal industry. This modernization measure represents a further step on our common path and consolidates a partnership that is characterized by innovative technology as well as by the unwavering will to not only meet, but exceed the expectations of the industry,” said Bernhard Steenken, CSO, Region APAC & MEA, SMS group.
