Hyundai Steel grants final acceptance for SMS upgrade of galvanizing line

Hyundai Steel has issued the final acceptance certificate to SMS group for the modernization of continuous galvanizing line #1 (CVGL#1) at its Dangjin plant in South Korea.

The upgrade, carried out in two phases, focused on improving operational stability, product quality and long-term reliability of the line, particularly for automotive-grade steels.

In the first phase, downstream equipment was enhanced with new components including a strip washer, dryer and optimized bridle roll systems. These were combined with updated drives and SMS’s X-Pact® Line Drive Control, enabling more precise tension and elongation control and supporting higher processing speeds.

The second phase centered on the modernization of the skin-pass mill. SMS implemented a new technological control system with X-Pact® Embedded automation, alongside upgraded hydraulic systems, including servo valves for gap control and roll bending. These improvements enable more accurate strip thickness and flatness control while reducing maintenance requirements and improving overall line stability.

According to the companies, the phased approach allowed the upgrade to be completed with minimal disruption to ongoing production. Commissioning was carried out efficiently, enabling a rapid return to full operation.

The modernization builds on a long-standing cooperation between the two companies, which began in 2005 with the conversion of the original line into a combined continuous annealing and galvanizing facility.

“The final acceptance represents another significant step in our long-standing cooperation with SMS group,” said Jin-Hyeong Park, Senior Manager at Hyundai Steel. He added that the upgrade “further strengthens our production capabilities” and supports the company’s focus on quality and efficiency.

Source and Photo: SMS Group