Gerdau has started hot run operation of its new Danieli Morgardshammar compact finishing sizing mill for square and round specialty steel bars at the Acos Finos Piratini L1 mill. The start-up took place just after 12 months from order. Goals for the plant upgrade included optimisation of plant operation and rolling procedures, higher product quality, increased product type and size range, increased mill efficiency and productivity, and reduced production costs. The mill upgrade included the addition of a 2-stand prefinishing/finishing mill made up of SHS housingless H-V stands plus a 3-stand HRS reducing and sizing block with automatic quick changing facilities. The plant is now suitable for production of 48- to 110mm squares and 45- to 150mm diameter specialty steel round bars at a rate of 60 tonnes per hour. The range includes low, medium and high carbon, engineering, stainless and tool steels.
