China’s Xiangtan Iron & Steel (Group) Co., Ltd. has awarded SMS group a contract to supply a four-strand bloom caster (CCM#12) for its existing BOF shop in Xiangtan city. The new caster will produce ultra-high-quality blooms in section sizes of 450×530 mm and 395×410 mm, among the largest bloom sizes currently produced globally.
The project will expand Xiangtan Steel’s capability to manufacture high-end special bar quality (SBQ) blooms, targeting demand from the automotive, green energy and other high-specification sectors.
The CCM#12 will incorporate advanced technologies to ensure high metallurgical and dimensional quality. Key features include Dynamic Mechanic Soft Reduction (DMSR) to improve internal quality, a high-capacity Mechanic Hard Reduction (MHR) system, and CONFLOW stopper technology for precise control of steel flow into the mold. The caster will also be equipped with electromagnetic stirring systems, hydraulic oscillation and advanced cooling systems.
Despite space constraints at the existing plant, the design has been optimized to operate within a 2,500 mm strand distance.
Commissioning of the new bloom caster is scheduled for December 2026.
Established in 1958, Xiangtan Iron and Steel’s annual production capacity is 12 mln tons of steel, encompassing a range of wide and heavy plates, wire rods, and bars.
