• Caster upgrade accommodates production of special bar quality (SBQ) steel for the automotive industry
• Primetals Technologies will implement new strand guides as part of the modernization 
• Concept for swift and trouble-free startup phase ensures shorter time-to-market for first cast products

The Mexican automotive industry is currently experiencing significant growth, with several car manufacturers establishing new production facilities in the country. These manufacturers will require high-strength steels of various kinds for their products. As a result, Mexican steel producer Talleres y Aceros S.A. de C.V. (TYASA) is planning to expand its product portfolio to include automotive grades. 

Recently, TYASA tasked Primetals Technologies with an upgrade of its 6-strand billet, bloom, and beam-blank multi-format caster to accommodate automotive grades. The caster will undergo a comprehensive upgrade of its strand guides, and Primetals Technologies will also implement an electromagnetic stirrer to enhance inner-strand quality. This will enable TYASA to meet the highest requirements on quality for various special bar grades.

Swift Startup – Quick ROI

Primetals Technologies will incorporate its well-established “Connect and Cast” concept into this caster upgrade. This concept ensures a fast and trouble-free startup phase by providing defined interfaces between the mechanical equipment and the automation systems. With the right parameters in place, the casting machine can be implemented swiftly, making it possible to roll and sell the first cast products right away, resulting in a quick return on investment (ROI). 

Demands for Top-Level Quality

Producing special bar for automotive grades requires equipment capable of meeting the highest quality standards. Primetals Technologies’ upgrade to TYASA’s strand guides will ensure that the company can meet these stringent demands. Additionally, the inclusion of an electromagnetic stirrer will guarantee superior inner quality of the cast items by minimizing center segregation. 
Primetals Technologies will supply key mechanical components as well as electrics and automation systems to complete the upgrade.

TYASA and Primetals Technologies

In addition to the multi-format caster, TYASA operates several other equipment supplied by Primetals Technologies, including an EAF Quantum electric arc furnace, two twin ladle furnaces, a twin vacuum degasser, a Castrip plant, and a reversing cold mill. In 2018, TYASA awarded Primetals Technologies a contract to implement a combined galvanizing and color coating line to process strip from the Castrip line. Primetals Technologies also provides maintenance services through its large workshop in Mexico, underscoring the long-standing partnership with TYASA. 

A family-owned company, TYASA employs more than 3,000 people and produces special steels, flat steels, coated steels, and steels for the construction industry. With the aim to enter the flat products market, the Mexican steel producer established an additional production line in 2014.
 

Primetals Technologies will upgrade Tyasa’s multi-format caster to accommodate the production of special bar quality (SBQ) steel grades for the automotive industry