Novelis Korea Ltd contracted Primetals Technologies to add a 3-stand hot finishing mill to a former project from Primetals Technologies, their existing hot reversing twin coiling mill at their Ulsan plant, South Korea. The existing hot mill now operates with the new tandem mill and is used for roughing passes on thin coil products (≤6 mm) and for all thick coil products. The order from Novelis followed their decision to expand into automotive sheet production in Asia. The first coil was rolled in less than two years from order placement, with production increasing to include the full range of alloys, including 5182/5083.
Challenge
Looking to build on its established success, Novelis Korea Ltd focused on entering the fast-growing automotive sheet market in Asia. With increasing demand for lightweight, high-strength aluminum in the automotive sector, the company recognized the need to expand its production capabilities to stay competitive and address evolving customer demands.
To support this strategic move, Novelis turned to a trusted partner—Primetals Technologies. Leveraging a history of successful collaboration, Novelis contracted Primetals Technologies to supply and integrate a new 3-stand hot finishing mill into an existing facility originally delivered by Primetals Technologies. This addition was designed not only to increase production capacity, but also to meet the rigorous quality standards demanded by automotive manufacturers.
New 3 Stand Hot Finishing Mill
Solution
The mill was designed to minimize disruption to the existing line's production capability during the installation phase. The new tandem mill was commissioned after just 10 days of shutdown on the existing hot mill.
In addition to the mechanical equipment, Primetals Technologies supplied all automation technology. The majority of the equipment was manufactured and assembled locally in Korea before installation to optimize the overall project timeline.
Scope of Supply
- New light gauge shear
- Additional roller tables
- New 3-stand hot finishing mill
- Hydraulic AGC cylinders and heavy work roll bending
- Edge trimmer and scrap chopper
- Coiler, belt wrapper, and coil handling equipment
- Roll coolant system: including integral solenoid valve spray bars
- Profile, temperature, and automatic gauge control
- SM150 drive controls on main mill motors
New 3 Stand Hot Finishing Mill
Results
Production Data
- Material: aluminum and aluminum alloys 1xxx, 2xxx, 3xxx, 4xxx, 5xxx, 6xxx, 7xxx, 8xxx series
- Entry thickness: 60 mm to 25 mm
- Exit thickness: 6 mm to 1.8 mm
- Width range: up to 2250 mm (untrimmed)
- Slab width range: 950 mm to 2150 mm
Coil Data
- Diameter: up to 2500 mm
- Maximum weight: 25 t
- Density: 12.8 kg/mm
Mill Data
- Mill type: 3-stand hot finishing
- Work roll dimensions: 750/700 mm x 2500 mm
- Backup roll dimensions: 1500/1400 mm x 2400 mm
- Max rolling load: 40,000 kN
- Maximum mill speed: 0, 180, 450 m/min (std3)
- Main drive power: 3 x 5000 kW AC
New 3 Stand Hot Finishing Mill
Benefits
- Fully integrated supply from Primetals Technologies with single-point responsibility.
- Enhanced product quality: thickness, temperature, and profile tolerance.
- Increased mill throughput.
- Enhanced operational flexibility.
Conclusion
- Novelis Korea Ltd sought to expand into automotive sheet production in Asia.
- Primetals Technologies installed a 3-stand hot finishing mill, along with all automation technology.
- Production expanded to include the full range of alloys, including 5182/5083, with over 800 coils rolled per month.
- Enhancements were achieved in product quality, mill throughput, and operational flexibility.
