Metals-Magazine- 10-1-2021
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ISSUE 10 | FEBRUARY 2021 INNOVATION AND TECHNOLOGY FOR THE METALS INDUSTRY SEAMLESS SUPPORT THROUGHOUT 2020 DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION IN METALS PRODUCTION DISCOVERING THE CRACOW COMPANY LOCATION The challenging situation in 2020 also prompted “ unexpected rewards— and even some techno- logical breakthroughs.” 3 EDITOR'S COLUMN DEAR READER, I'll let you into a secret: I did not want to turn this issue of Metals Magazine into a "Covid edition." I felt that, by the time you held your copy in your hands, the pandemic might have taken its toll on you one way or another, and that you'd probably rather have Primetals Technologies discuss more positive subject matter. But as 2020 pro- gressed, I realized two things. One, there was just no getting around what had become the "elephant in the room" in my concept for this edition. To not address the effects of this global crisis became more unfathomable as the year went on. Two, the challenging situation also prompted unexpected rewards—and even some techno- logical breakthroughs. To give you an example: together with you, our partners in the industry, we developed new forms of remote collaboration using various kinds of digi- tal tools. We were able to keep projects going and to execute equipment startups from afar. These achieve- ments ensured business continuity for all of us, and while I believe that we'll be profiting from what we've learned for years to come, the new ways of working clearly origi- nate from the situation we were facing—namely, Covid. Having shared this story with you, I'd like to continue on a more personal note. Over the last few months, I have seen some darkness, but also much light. I have DR. TOM WIDTER had friends struggle with isolation and with their mental EDITOR-IN-CHIEF, METALS MAGAZINE health. I have seen colleagues worry about the wellbeing of their parents or grandparents. But I also know several couples who, having each been together for decades, finally decided to get married or to have children. It seems to me that the experience of 2020 has reminded us of the things that really matter. It has assured us that, after the darkness, there will be light. The cover of this magazine underlines this idea: if "charged" with UV-rich light, it glows in the dark. Let those close to you know that you care. And then, with that emotion, I suggest that you do what we all do best—pioneer the future of metals. Yours sincerely, Dr. Tom Widter Editor-in-Chief of Metals Magazine [email protected] Metals Magazine | Feb. 2021 | Editorial 4 18 SEAMLESS SUPPORT THROUGHOUT 2020 03 Editor's Column TECHNOLOGY 04 Table of Contents 06 Message from the CEO 52 BOF Relining, Made Faster Primetals Technologies developed and implemented 08 Recent Project and Company News a new LD converter (BOF) relining solution at one of Ternium’s steel plants, in Santa Cruz, Brazil. 58 Making the Caster Mold Transparent SPOTLIGHT Mold Expert, the innovative sticker-detection system from Primetals Technologies, has now been installed over 300 times in melt shops all around the world. 18 Seamless Support throughout 2020 Across the globe, 2020 had its challenges. Primetals 64 The Full Potential of Cold-Rolling Mills Technologies helped to ensure business continuity. Discover how experts from Primetals Technologies can unleash the full potential of any cold-rolling mill, 26 The Future of Metals Is Digital making it easier to introduce new products. Digitalization has arrived at the metals industry, and we look at the multi-faceted implications. 70 The Next Step in Long Rolling for Automotive Hyundai Steel has invested in two new, Industry 4.0 34 Living the Digital Transformation compatible long-rolling mills supplied by Primetals Metals Magazine visits the Primetals Technologies Technologies for its Dangjin, Korea, plant. company location in Cracow, Poland. 78 Aluminum: The Metal of Kings 44 A Pioneer for Every Occasion Primetals Technologies continues its long tradition At Primetals Technologies, we explore what's next. of pioneering superior solutions in aluminum rolling. Learn more about six of our great innovators. A closer look at the metal's past, present, and future. Metals Magazine | Feb. 2021 | Contents 5 It felt like the world went dark when, in early 2020, the Covid-19 pandemic took hold. But Primetals Technologies’ employees found new ways to stay connected to customers. SEAMLESS SUPPORT THROUGHOUT 2020 84 Plant Maintenance, Done the Easy Way 108 How Will We Live? Maintenance and Asset Technology (MAT) is The series that aims to predict the future. This edition's designed to keep steel plants in perfect shape. focus topic is the use of hydrogen as a power source. 90 Connect Your Plants, Boost Your Results 114 Ask the Expert A new and groundbreaking method to connect, Dr. Etsuro Hirai, CTO of Primetals Technologies, monitor, and service multiple plants remotely. exclusively answers the questions you've sent in. INSPIRATION METALS MAGAZINE WEB ARCHIVE 96 Great Pioneers that Inspire us Whether you’re at Who are the exceptional pioneers that inspire Primet- work, at home, or als Technologies employees? This time, we discuss the traveling, you can al- achievements of Japanese mountaineer Junko Tabei. ways find a complete archive of Metals Magazine issues at 100 The Pioneer's Guide to Boosting Creativity meta.ls/magazine How can you best get the creative juices flowing— when working from home? Tips and tricks for maximiz- ing productivity whilst your're away from the office. 106 Straight from the Labs of Primetals Technologies New innovations that are just around the corner, pio- neered today by Primetals Technologies engineers. In this edition, we present a new R&D project in pickling. Metals Magazine | Feb. 2021 | Contents 6 MESSAGE FROM THE CEO DEAR CUSTOMER, Let me first say that I hope this finds you well. 2020 it can be a lot harder to stay on course. It takes more has been an unusual year and a challenging one for energy to follow our hearts, and it becomes more many of us. Both in our professional and our private difficult to remain true to our convictions. And yet it lives, Covid-19 has called into question many things is vital that we remain dedicated, knowing that we will we believed to be irrefutable. Now that 2021 has begun, be rewarded if we walk the extra mile. Perseverance is some of the uncertainty still remains. When will the a crucial quality, especially if you have a leadership role “new normal” begin? There is no one answer to this and people look to you for inspiration. I have found question as the world’s nations have tackled the pan- that staying visibly optimistic and determined makes demic differently and the final chapter to the story a tremendous difference. has yet to be written. My third principle is that of innovation, because every What is clear is that Primetals Technologies will con- crisis is also an opportunity for transformation and a tinue to support steel producers across the globe in potential catalyst for change. At Primetals Technolo- every way possible. Over the course of 2020, we estab- gies, we have been using the past months—a time in lished new methods of collaborating with our custom- which travel was often restricted—to advance the ers—be it via secure video link, augmented reality development of the solutions in our R&D pipeline. As devices, webinars, or virtual conferences. We always you would surely expect us to, we have been focusing aim to be as close to our valued partners as possible, on pioneering what’s next in the world of metals—for and the recent events have not changed our commit- instance, new and improved technologies in the fields ment one bit. We are simply using new methods to of digitalization and green production. It is our ambi- connect, to stay in contact, and to ensure that our tion to innovate on your behalf and in partnership with mutual projects continue to move forward. you, in order to future-proof your businesses techno- logically, economically, and ecologically. I also think that these times serve as a reminder of three principles of universal importance—principles that These three principles are also three promises that I can everyone at Primetals Technologies chooses to take make to you today. Everyone at Primetals Technologies very seriously. The first is solidarity. The year 2020 will do their best to listen carefully to the challenges placed a burden on many of us in the industry, and some you are facing, and we will support you to the best of of us have also experienced hardship. I am sure that our ability. We will do everything in our power to make taking care of loved ones is everyone’s highest priority, our contribution to your long-term success. And we will but looking out for friends, colleagues, and business keep on innovating so that we can offer you the best in partners who are struggling has become all the more consultancy, equipment, automation, and services—all relevant. I believe that solidarity will help our societies of which will help you to stay ahead of the curve. I am to recover from the effects of the coronavirus. convinced that through solidarity, perseverance, and innovation, the world of metals will have a bright future. The second principle is perseverance. In the face of Until we get there, we are here when you need us— obstacles—of which we have seen a fair share in 2020— whatever the circumstances. l Metals Magazine | Feb. 2021 | Executive Column 7 SATORU IIJIMA CEO of Primetals Technologies I am convinced that through solidarity, perseverance, and innovation, the world “ of metals will have a bright future.” Satoru Iijima CEO of Primetals Technologies and Chairman of the Board 8 9 CATCH WITH UP PRIMETALS TECHNOLOGIES Primetals Technologies supports steel producers everywhere in the world with innovative solutions.