Switzerland-based Concast AG, a subsidiary of German plantmaker SMS group, has announced the receipt of an order from ArcelorMittal Brasil S.A. for the supply of a secondary-metallurgy center and of a continuous caster for the production of special bar quality billets for the manufacture of wire for tires (tire cord) at its integrated iron and steel works at Monlevade, Brazil. Commissioning is scheduled for June 2010.
The new ladle furnace and continuous caster will allow ArcelorMittal Brasil to increase the capacity of the Monlevade iron and steel works from the current 1.2 million mt of liquid steel per year to 2.4 million mt.
The continuous caster, with six strands and a casting radius of 10.25 meters will produce square billets in section sizes 130 x 130 mm and 155 x 155 mm, while the ladle furnace will allow a heating rate of around 4.5 °C/min.
The deal includes Concast's supply of the complete mechanical and electrical equipment and automation for Levels 1 and 2, as well as training, supervision of erection and commissioning.
Moreover, ArcelorMittal Brasil has also placed an order with SMS Meer for the supply of a wire-rod rolling mill connected to the continuous caster.
The financial details have not been disclosed.