Technological features of the production of steel strips of various ranges in casting and rolling complexes

Casting and rolling complexes (CRC) used for the production of steel strips are, in fact, contemporary and in-demand metallurgical units. In the global steel production of about 1800 mln. tons per year, the production capacity of all CRC used for strip production throughout the world (more than 70 complexes) constitutes about 120–140 mln. tons (i.e., about 7–8% of the total amount) and continues to increase with startups of new projects. The only CRC intended for the production of steel strips in Russia was put into operation at the OMK Vyksa Plant in 2008. By using their own system for the development of new technologies and products, experts of the Engineering and Technological Center of the UMC managed not only to master the production of numerous unique products but also to develop their own recommendations concerning the selection of equipment required for the CRC depending on the assortment of produced products. We perform the analysis of the technological modes of production and the CRC equipment used throughout the world. We determine the specific features of the influence of the applied equipment and the parameters of the process of production of hot-rolled strips of eight main groups of products on their qualitative characteristics. A scientifically justified procedure is proposed for the choice of the rational composition of equipment for the CRC rolling mills. The results of commercial testing and introduction of the products at the OMK Vyksa Plant are presented.