NLMK Group improves quality of cold-rolled uncoated steel

The straightening machine improves the geometric parameters of the product by eliminating irregularities at the edges and in the middle of the strip, enabling NLMK to guarantee a precise specification of uncoated cold-rolled steel offered to customers.

Sergey Filatov, Novolipetsk Managing Director, said:

“These products are currently in demand by white goods manufacturers for the production of refrigerators and washing machines; and automotive and chemical machine-building companies that have strict requirements when it comes to steel surface quality. This new project will allow NLMK to offer high-quality products to its key customers and strengthen its positions in high-margin markets, including through import replacement.”

Previously, Novolipetsk flattened cold-rolled steel only for onward processing at the continuous hot-dip galvanizing lines.

The new stretch bending straightening machine has a production capacity of 250,000 tons per year. Investment totaled approximately 460 million rubles.

In 2014, Novolipetsk produced 1.5 million tonnes of cold-rolled steel. NLMK Group accounts for 24% of the Russian cold-rolled market. Cold-rolled steel is widely used in the production of machine body parts. Manufacturers of machinery and equipment are traditionally the key consumers of NLMK products. NLMK pursues projects aimed at improving product and level of service for these customers. For instance, Novolipetsk is working to replace its bell-type furnaces that thermally treat steel after cold rolling, which will further improve the quality of surface finish.