• New five-year cost-per-ton maintenance contract
• Repair and maintenance of continuous caster equipment and components
• Process improvements to enhance equipment performance and longevity
• Work to be performed at a nearby 40,000-square-foot facility operated by Primetals Technologies

Primetals Technologies has secured a five-year cost-per-ton maintenance contract from Outokumpu Stainless USA, a leader in stainless steel manufacturing. The company will be responsible for the repair and maintenance of Outokumpu’s single-strand continuous casting machine in Calvert, Alabama.

Committed to Process Improvements

This contract marks a significant shift from previous maintenance work. Primetals Technologies will apply its in-depth knowledge of the original equipment and introduce future process improvements. The company is committed to enhancing the performance and longevity of the continuous caster, which it supplied to Outokumpu in 2012. This includes implementing the latest advancements in mold coating and roll overlay technologies.

The maintenance work will be relocated to a nearby 40,000-square-foot facility in Calvert, operated by Primetals Technologies. This move will streamline maintenance operations and provide Outokumpu with additional space in its meltshop for other production activities. Throughout the transition, there will be no disruption to Outokumpu’s production in Calvert or the operation of the continuous casting machine.
Securing this contract, along with a recent caster maintenance agreement from ArcelorMittal Nippon Steel (AM/NS) Calvert, further strengthens Primetals Technologies’ upstream and downstream service offerings in the United States.

Comprehensive Maintenance Scope

The contract covers a wide range of maintenance activities for continuous caster equipment, ensuring optimal equipment performance and longevity. This includes the repair and servicing of molds, oscillators, as well as the bender, bow, straightener, and horizontal segments. Additionally, Primetals Technologies has been tasked with the upkeep of caster rolls (both new and reconditioned), spindles, table rollers, table drive shafts, and all spare-part management.
Primetals Technologies will also apply its innovative Hiper Coat technology to the mold coppers, which offers variable hardness to extend the life of these components. Similarly, its proprietary overlay technology will enhance the performance and durability of the caster rolls. The contract also entails bi-annual strand alignment and reporting, labor and supervision for core equipment maintenance, and operational expert support services.

Access to Advanced Technology

Another advantage that Primetals Technologies offers is the option for its customers to access remote assistance through its advanced operations-management platform called Through-Process Optimization. Additionally, the m.space e-services platform allows operators to order spare parts online, access helpful training sessions, and centralize plant documentation.

Furthermore, the Maintenance and Asset Technology (MAT) platform offers a suite of tools for real-time tracking of mold copper and roll fleets. Developed by Primetals Technologies, MAT’s predictive maintenance scheduling employs reliability-centered maintenance strategies to address failure modes and optimize asset lifetime. MAT also includes graphical work order tracking, forecasting to boost overall productivity, and a KPI dashboard for insightful reporting. Designed for portability, MAT can be operated on tablets, ensuring on-site and offline accessibility.

About Outokumpu

Outokumpu is accelerating the green transition as the global leader in sustainable stainless steel. Its business is based on the circular economy: Outokumpu’s products are made from 95 percent recycled materials, which it then turns into fully recyclable stainless steel. This steel is utilized in various applications across society, including infrastructure, mobility, and household appliances. In the US, Outokumpu operates America’s most advanced stainless-steel mill in Calvert, Alabama. With an extensive range of products and industry-leading technical support and services, Outokumpu is the second-largest producer of sustainable stainless steel in the United States. Learn more at: www.outokumpu.com 
 

Primetals Technologies is now providing repair and maintenance services for Outokumpu’s single-strand continuous casting machine in Calvert, Alabama.