Chinese Aluminum Producer Orders New Cold Rolling Mill from Primetals Technologies

• Shandong Nanshan Aluminum orders single-stand 6-hi Universal Crown Control Mill (UCM)
• Allows the aluminum producer to expand into the high-end aluminum market
• Startup is scheduled for mid-2025

In March 2023, Chinese aluminum producer Shandong Nanshan Aluminum placed an order with Primetals Technologies for a new cold rolling mill featuring UCM technology. With an annual capacity of about 180,000 tons, the mill will be implemented at Shandong’s aluminum plant in Longkou, Shandong province, in the eastern part of China.

Reduced costs

Good experiences from former projects and a well-proven technological solution were the main factors behind Shandong’s decision to award the order to Primetals Technologies. The new mill will feature various shape control actuators like work roll bending, intermediate roll bending, intermediate roll shifting, and a precise spot cooling system. Thanks to the wide range of shape control measures, Shandong Nanshan will be able to execute all cold rolling processes on the mill using the same type of straight crown work rolls. This will result in reduced costs for spare work rolls.

High rolling stability

Headquartered in China, Shandong Nanshan manufactures and distributes aluminum items to domestic and international markets. The aluminum producer is planning to expand into the market for automotive aluminum products, and the new cold rolling mill is a pivotal part of its future growth strategy. Primetals Technologies is responsible for the supply of the mechanical and automation scope, engineering, and advisory services for the implementation. The automation solution comprises basic automation (Level 1) and advanced process optimization systems (Level 2) as well as motors, a complete drive system, and electrics parts.

With more than 600 references across the world, the UCM solution is well-known for high rolling stability and detailed shape controllability. The intermediate roll is shifted axially in the roll direction, depending on strip width. Therefore, any undesirable contact between the work and backup rolls is prevented. The Shandong Nanshan mill will process aluminium strip at thicknesses from 0.2 to 6.0 millimeters and widths from 1,000 to 2,200 millimeters.

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Primetals Technologies, Limited, headquartered in London, United Kingdom, is a pioneer and world leader in the fields of engineering, plant building, and the provision of lifecycle services for the metals industry. The company offers a complete technology, product, and services portfolio that includes integrated electrics and automation, digitalization, and environmental solutions. This covers every step of the iron and steel production chain—from the raw materials to the finished product—and includes the latest rolling solutions for the nonferrous metals sector. Primetals Technologies is a Group Company of Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, with around 7,000 employees worldwide. To learn more about Primetals Technologies, visit the company website www.primetals.com.

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IMAGE CAPTION:

Representatives from Primetals Technologies and Shandong Nanshan during the contract signing ceremony. Fifth from left: Tomislav Koledic, CEO, Primetals Technologies China, sixth from left: Song Changming, Executive Board Member, Nanshan Holding, seventh from left: Lv Zhengfeng, Chairman, Shandong Nanshan Aluminum.