Russian steelmakers NLMK’s Lipetsk plant has completed the installation and started commissioning of continuous casting (CC) machine No. 9 to improve its product mix in the heavy slab segment.
The unit is one of NLMK group’s key strategic projects. This equipment upgrade will provide NLMK expertise in the production of high-purity and structurally homogeneous heavy slabs in Russia. The CC unit will produce thick plates of 400mm thickness and 2,800mm width, weighing up to 70mt. These semis can be further processed to produce large-diameter pipes, parts of wind turbines, marine vessels and oil rigs.
NLMK has invested RUB12bn for the project. The nameplate annual capacity of the new unit is 1.8mt. Hot testing of the new unit will begin in June.
NLMK Group operates steel plants in Russia, Europe and the US. The company produces 17mn mt steel annually.