German steelmaker HKM selects Primetals for new casting technology
LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM. Hüttenwerke Krupp Mannesmann (HKM), a leading German steel producer, has chosen Primetals Technologies to supply new Mold Expert Fiber systems for installation at its Duisburg plant. With this partnership, HKM aims to further enhance its continuous casting operations by leveraging Primetals Technologies’ advanced mold monitoring expertise and solutions.
New Level of Mold Visualization
Mold Expert Fiber delivers a breakthrough in mold visualization, enabling HKM to closely monitor the area where slab surface quality is determined. The system offers high-precision detection of critical events such as stickers, cold spots, and longitudinal cracks. Additional benefits include improved control during mold filling at the start of casting and reduced meniscus asymmetry.
This state-of-the-art solution uses fiber optic-based temperature measurement and supports thousands of measuring points per mold, scalable to more than 10,000 if required.
In contrast to conventional systems that rely on a limited number of thermocouples, Mold Expert Fiber offers superior real-time feedback on meniscus shape, mold powder behavior, and taper accuracy.
Earlier Detection, Better Data
The primary objective of Mold Expert Fiber is to provide data that was previously unavailable, such as precise meniscus shape measurements across the entire mold width and detailed information on liquid steel movement inside the mold. The system also alerts operators to potential caster-mold breakouts at the earliest possible stage, including during the start of casting. As a result, Mold Expert Fiber will be a key tool supporting HKM in the development of new steel grades.
More than 2,000 Steel Grades
Specializing in slab and bloom casting, HKM produces four million tons of liquid steel annually and employs approximately 3,000 people. The integrated Duisburg plant supplies intermediate products to the processing industry and offers a portfolio of more than 2,000 different steel grades. HKM is jointly owned by Salzgitter, thyssenkrupp, and Vallourec.
