Dillinger France is investing in its Dunkirk heavy plate mill to process more advanced high-strength steel grades, Kallanish notes.
SMS group will upgrade the mill’s cold plate leveller and install the latest version of its X-Pact plate leveller control system. The project will be completed by December 2027. The new system allows higher over-stretching during levelling.
This improves plate flatness and the removal of residual stresses. A new process model calculates the optimal roll position, bending forces and torque distribution for a wide range of steel grades. An integrated 9/5-roll mode also extends the leveller’s operating range without roll changes.
“This modernisation will help us meet future quality requirements while maximising the value of our existing assets,” says Philippe Nawracala, Dillinger France site director in a joint note.
“By applying enhanced levelling strategies, the new process control system unlocks the full potential of the existing leveller while helping Dillinger France maintain the technological competitiveness of its heavy plate production,” adds Thomas Koch from SMS Automation & Digital Solutions.
The new process model will first run in “shadow mode”, tested against the current production process, to ensure a smooth start-up.
Dillinger France produces over 600,000 tonnes/year of heavy plate for the offshore wind sector, mechanical engineering, line pipe and boiler construction.
