SMS group delivers new SMS Concast four-strand bloom caster to Xiangtan Iron & Steel

• For Xiangtan, the new CCM#12 expands its production capacity for high- grade special bar quality (SBQ) blooms for the automotive industry, renewable energy sector, and other demanding end markets
• The design enables the production of exceptionally large blooms (including 450 × 530 millimeters and 395 × 410 millimeters) on a curved caster
• With this project, SMS has achieved the largest bloom size of any references worldwide
• Commissioning is scheduled for the end of December 2026

Xiangtan Iron & Steel (Group) Co., Ltd. has awarded SMS group the order for a new SMS Concast four-strand bloom caster (CCM#12) for the existing BOF shop in Xiangtan city. Xiangtan Iron & Steel plans to use its CCM#12 to produce ultra-high-quality blooms in two section sizes, the largest being 450 × 530 millimeters and 395 × 410 millimeters. The CCM#12 combines numerous advanced and customized technologies to meet stringent product and performance guarantees.

The project is strategically important for both parties: for Xiangtan, CCM#12 expands its capability to produce high-end special bar quality (SBQ) blooms to serve the growing automotive industry, green power sector, and other demanding end markets. For SMS, it confirms its leadership in technically challenging bloom caster markets. With this project, SMS has achieved the largest bloom size of any references in operation worldwide to date, including jumbo rounds or blooms cast on curved and vertical casters.

The CCM#12 will be equipped with state-of-the-art technology to ensure high metallurgical and dimensional quality. Main features include the Dynamic Mechanic Soft Reduction (DMSR) system to improve internal bloom quality by controlling central porosity and segregation; the design incorporates the largest Mechanic Hard Reduction (MHR) system and associated gearbox design specified to date for a curved Mechanic Soft Reduction (MSR) caster, rated at a torque of 250 kNm. Furthermore, the CONFLOW^® Stopper Technology for precise control of the steel flow to the mold, the hydraulic oscillation unit, the containment and air mist spray cooling system, a sophisticated stirrer arrangement including M-EMS, S-EMS, and two complex type F EMS units, and finally a dedicated quenching system and individual bloom discharge from a deep pit with a pass line at minus 8.5 meters complete the package of high-tech solutions.

These features enable the production of exceptionally large and high-quality blooms on a curved caster with MSR, addressing advanced grade and dimensional requirements.

The DMSR implementation is further complicated by a tight strand distance of 2,500 millimeters, imposed by existing building constraints. The design has been optimized to operate effectively within this footprint.

Commissioning is scheduled for the end of December 2026.

The CCM#12 represents a technically advanced and strategic project that strengthen Xiangtan’s position in the high-end SBQ market. Both parties will continue to collaborate closely through the engineering, procurement, and commissioning phases to achieve all project goals and exploit this high-value business opportunity.