SMS group GmbH and ABB AB Sweden entered into a partnership to jointly market and further develop FC Mold X, an electromagnetic flow-control system for thin and medium slab continuous casting.
The system combines ABB’s electromagnetic stirring and braking technologies with SMS group’s CSP Nexus casting-and-rolling concept aimed at improving productivity, operational flexibility, energy efficiency, and surface quality in steel production.
According to the companies, FC Mold X is designed to support a wider range of steel grades, including high-end and low-carbon steel products. The system uses separate electromagnetic fields to control steel flow in the mold through braking and stirring functions, allowing greater adaptability under different casting conditions.
The modular design enables the system to be adapted to different casting thicknesses and throughput rates. Casting thicknesses under the CSP Nexus concept typically range between 110 mm and 160 mm, with throughput capacity reaching up to 8.5 tons per minute.
The companies stated that the system is intended to reduce surface defects and improve product quality while maintaining high productivity and product mix flexibility.
SMS group said the cooperation also focuses on future digital integration and adaptive casting strategies through advanced control algorithms and modular hardware design.
SMS group is a Germany-based technology supplier for the metals industry, providing plant engineering, equipment, and digital solutions for steel and non-ferrous metal production.