Turkey’s Kardemir has ordered a five-strand combi-continuous caster from SMS Concast, a subsidiary of SMS group, to upgrade production at its Karabuk steel plant. The new facility is set to begin operations by late 2025, reinforcing Kardemir’s position as a key player in the Turkish steel industry.
Designed for flexibility, the caster will produce three square billet sizes, one bloom size, and one beam blank section, with an annual capacity of 1.2 mln tons. Its quick-change capability allows for efficient transitions between formats and steel grades, enabling Kardemir to adapt to shifting market demands.
The plant features a 10.25-meter radius and will produce a range of steel grades, including construction and high-carbon rail steels. Advanced SMS technology will enhance both productivity and quality. A large, long-life tundish and CONFLOW stopper mechanism ensure stable and precise steel levels in the mold, while CONVEX mold tubes and CONSTIR electromagnetic stirrers improve casting speed and internal quality. The CONDRIVE oscillation drive allows real-time adjustments to the mold’s amplitude, frequency, and oscillation profile.
The project includes state-of-the-art level 1 and level 2 automation systems, featuring fault-tolerant hardware for continuous operation. These systems optimize processes, enhance reliability, and support product certification, reducing dependence on operator input.
Future collaboration between Kardemir and SMS will explore digital solutions, including AI-driven systems to optimize caster performance and boost efficiency.
Founded in 1937, Kardemir is a major steel player in Turkey with a production capacity of 3.5 mln tons per year. The company’s product portfolio includes blooms, billets, rebars, profiles, and various other steel products, with manufacturing facilities strategically located in Karabuk.
