Yamato Steel commissions Japan’s first CRS® roller straightener from SMS group

Yamato Steel Co. Ltd. and SMS group have successfully commissioned Japan’s first CRS® compact roller straightener, marking a milestone in the modernization of Yamato Steel’s heavy section mill in Himeji.

The new CRS® 2000-9H straightening machine, featuring nine rollers and a 2,000 mm pitch, is designed to improve dimensional accuracy and product consistency for beams, sections, and sheet piles. It replaces conventional straightening technology with a more compact, energy-efficient system that combines precise hydraulic control with advanced digital automation.

Enhanced efficiency and product quality

Each straightening roller in the CRS® 2000-9H is individually driven and hydraulically adjustable under load, enabling highly accurate straightening even with varying material profiles. The Load Share Control (LSC) system developed by SMS optimizes power distribution across all drives, ensuring symmetrical force application and high energy efficiency. This results in reduced residual stresses, improved straightness, and extended roller service life.

Yamato Steel also benefits from a fully automated roller change system, capable of exchanging all nine rollers simultaneously. Together with the automatic chamber size adjustment feature, this innovation minimizes downtime and enhances operational flexibility.

Source and Photo: SMS Group