Deutsche Edelstahlwerke has placed an order with SMS Meer for the expansion of the 3 roll PSM® (Precision Sizing Mill) at its Siegen Geisweid plant to include an automatic size control system with cross section measuring module. The PSM® forms part of the rolling mill for special steels which are used, for example, in the automotive industry. A new laser precision measuring device for cross section measurement is to be installed down line of the PSM.

The automation system is to be expanded to include a highly dynamic monitor control module. Even in the event of fluctuations in the ingoing product, the new system minimizes tolerance deviations during the rolling process. With this expansion, DEW will be able to increase the efficiency of the PSIVT, and hence also the quality of the bars produced.

Mr Jens Eisbach rolling mill manager of the bar mill in Siegen Geisweid said that "The aim is to consistently further develop the potential of single pass adjustment under rolling force and to learn more about the behavior of the material during the rolling of these highly sophisticated products. Even today, we can reliably achieve tolerances of 1/8 DIN EN 10060. Thanks to this control system, it will be possible to perform additional fine optimization of the final dimension tolerances."

SMS Meer had supplied the world's first 3 roll block with hydraulic adjustment under load to DEW in 2006. The PSM® directly replaced two 3 roll blocks at DEW which had been in operation since 1979.

Dr Thomas Helsper head of the Rolling Mills Division at DEW said that "SMS Meer has impressed us with its trendsetting concept of modern 3 roll technology and has opened up possibilities for quality improvement which until now have not been so easily available on the market."

SMS Meer is systematically consolidating its unique position in this market segment through further developments in the area of hydraulic adjustment of the PSM® and the related modern automation systems. The project will be implemented in spring 2012.