NLMK DanSteel (Frederiksværk, Denmark)
E. A. Goli-Oglu, Cand. Eng., Manager for Technology and Product Development, Egoli-Oglu@yandex.ru
A. N. Filatov, Metallurgical Engineer
Final thickness accuracy and transverse-profile stability are key indicators of heavy-plate quality and process stability. This paper presents the technical characteristics of the 4200 rolling stand equipped with axial work-roll shifting and hydraulic bending, and of a new radiometric thickness-measurement system with three measuring heads. The implemented technological solutions aimed at equalizing pressure distribution in the deformation zone, reducing roll-gap and transverse-profile variability, and improving the reproducibility of plate geometry are described. Their effectiveness was confirmed by rolling results for low-carbon steel plates 6–40 mm thick and by comparison of gauge readings with manual reference measurements. To assess process stability, production measurement data from the first half of 2025 and distributions of deviations between actual and ordered thickness across the plate length and width were analyzed. Optimization of roll-profile parameters and gauge calibration reduced thickness deviations and enabled tighter internal thickness tolerances. More than 80 % of measurements were within ±0.10 mm of the target value, while the share of plates outside the established tolerance was reduced to zero. A reduction in average actual thickness of at least 0.1 mm, while maintaining compliance with order requirements, decreased total plate mass by 0.60 – 0.75 %. This corresponds to savings of at least 2,950 t of steel per year and an economic effect of at least EUR 1.9 million annually.
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