Originally built by SMS in 1974, the reversing mill specializes in the production of grain-oriented silicon steel (GO Si-Steel). The modernization project aims to enhance safety and increase operational efficiency.
As part of the project, the existing X-Pact® electrical and automation systems will be upgraded with SMS group’s latest technology. The new setup will include the X-Pact® Embedded controller, a high-speed EtherCAT I/O system, and ergonomically designed control pulpits. In addition, the virtualization of the IT infrastructure will maximize plant availability and ensure independence from specific hardware and operating systems.
The automation solution provided by SMS group includes level 1 and model-based level 2 automation systems tailored to GO Si-Steel production, as well as the X-Pact® Vision HMI. These systems offer advanced operator guidance and simplify maintenance and troubleshooting processes. The master controller will coordinate the rolling process and ensure efficient data exchange between level 1 and level 2 automation systems, as well as the safety system.
Extensive on-site safety assessments were conducted as part of the project, resulting in a comprehensive plant safety concept. The measures implemented are designed to increase occupational safety during both operation and maintenance.
With the X-Pact® Plug & Work integration test, both hardware and software components are pre-tested and pre-optimized using the digital twin of the plant, allowing final optimizations to be completed before on-site installation. This significantly shortens commissioning time and reduces associated costs.
Philipp Geisler from SMS’s Solutions Flat Products division stated, “Our expertise in design, R&D, and automation makes us the ideal partner to achieve tkES’s modernization goals. Together, we are developing customized solutions to boost the availability and safety of the reversing cold rolling mill.”
As one of Germany’s leading producers of grain-oriented electrical steel, tkES plays a key role in ensuring energy efficiency and sustainability in power transmission and distribution. With this modernization project, the company reinforces its commitment to maintaining high-quality, safe, and reliable production standards.
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