Leading Chinese steelmaker HBIS Tangsteel, part of HBIS Group, has commissioned a new slab caster supplied by Primetals Technologies at its Laoting plant in Hebei province.
The new caster has an annual capacity of 2.4 mln tons, producing slabs with thicknesses of 200-250 mm and widths ranging from 800-1,600 mm. It is designed to process a wide range of steel grades, including peritectic, microalloyed, ultra-low-carbon, and high-carbon steels.
The unit is the fourth continuous caster delivered by Primetals at the site, following installations in 2020 and 2023. With this addition, HBIS Tangsteel operates a total of eight slab caster strands, all supplied by Primetals Technologies, with a combined annual slab capacity of 9.6 mln tons.
The latest startup marks the tenth continuous casting project between HBIS Group and Primetals Technologies, covering both slab and long products, including new installations and modernization works. The scope of supply included mechanical equipment, Level 1 and Level 2 automation systems, and related implementation services.
The caster incorporates several technologies aimed at improving product quality and operational efficiency. These include the DynaFlex hydraulic oscillator for optimized mold oscillation, and the DynaWidth system for flexible slab-width adjustment. Together, these features enhance surface quality and support stable casting at higher speeds.
Advanced automation systems are also deployed to ensure stable operations and maximize yield. The Dynacs 3D secondary cooling model enables precise temperature control along the strand, while the DynaGap SoftReduction 3D system improves internal slab quality by reducing centerline segregation. Additional systems such as Yield Expert and Mold Expert support production optimization and operational safety.
