Jingye Steel has completed a major automation upgrade for its five-meter heavy plate mill in Yingkou, Liaoning Province, with support from SMS group. Originally installed by SMS in 2009, the mill resumed production after a brief and efficient ten-day shutdown.
The upgrade, completed in just eight days and aligned with Jingye’s annual maintenance schedule, was part of a long-term partnership under an X-Pact Service contract. It replaced outdated components, significantly reducing the risk of unplanned downtime.
SMS group modernized the X-Pact ProBAS level 1 automation system for the roughing mill, finishing mill, and hot plate leveler, enhancing reliability and ease of maintenance. Key improvements included the integration of X-Pact Embedded controllers and a high-speed EtherCAT I/O system, boosting communication speed and overall system performance. Updated safety modules further improved operational safety.
The new system features an open hardware and software platform based on international standards, offering flexibility for future expansions and integration.
Designed for an annual capacity of 2.3 mln tons, Jingye’s heavy plate mill produces a wide range of steels for shipbuilding, pipelines, pressure vessels, boilers, and high-strength structural applications.