TPT July 2018

I NDUS T RY

Finishing mill in aluminium hot rolling line expanded by SMS group

high design, like the three existing stands. It features the latest actuation and control systems, such as CVC ® plus (continuously variable crown) roll shifting technology, a rolling technology package specifically designed for aluminium hot rolling, and X-Pact ® electrical and automation systems. The technology package includes a wide range of features such as hydraulic actuation systems and cooling, lubrication, measuring and cleaning systems designed to achieve the required mechanical properties and strip surface quality. Along with the installation of the additional finishing stand, SMS group modified related plant equipment to

IN Tianjin, near Beijing, Chinese aluminium producer Tianjin Zhongwang Aluminium Co Ltd operates two high- capacity aluminium hot rolling lines supplied by SMS group. In January, one of the two lines in 1+1+3 configuration (two reversing roughing stands and a three-stand finishing mill), received a further finishing stand. SMS group completed the line expansion to 1+1+4 configuration during a shutdown period of only 23 days. The first coil was successfully rolled on 26 January, one day ahead of schedule. Being in position one of the finishing train, the new high-performance stand accomplishes the major part of the forming work. The stand is of four-

and thicknesses between 2.2 and 12mm. Tianjing Zhongwang Aluminium was said to be very happy about the fact that the high-capacity hot rolling line could resume regular three-shift production only three days after commissioning. SMS group GmbH – Germany Email: communications@sms-group.com Website: www.sms-group.com Tianjin Zhongwang Aluminium Co Ltd – China Website: www.zhongwangtj.com Installation of the new roll stand at position F1 of the finishing scale

make it suitable for the new and higher product quality requirements, and for the increased line capacity. Especially for low-temperature rolling, a newly developed blow-off and suction system was installed in the exit section of the finishing mill. The new finishing stand provides the line with the flexibility needed to roll the complete range of aluminium hot strip grades in widths up to 2,900mm

First on the advanced finishing mill – rolled aluminium hot strip coil

Metalube bids farewell to David Lee LUBRICANT specialist Metalube has announced that company founder David Lee will fully retire from the business in August 2018.

ibly supportive since we took over Metalube seven years ago. He has passed on to us 30 years of knowledge, and his input, particularly in the Asia region, has been hugely beneficial. We wish him a long and healthy retirement.” Metalube manufactures a range of high performance speciality lubricants. The company headquarters are based in Manchester, UK, where the site incorporates offices with warehousing, laboratories and manufacturing facilities.

Mr Lee created Metalube 30 years ago and under his vision the company grew into the global player it is today. Metalube was purchased seven years ago and is now part of the lubricant investment specialist Bishopdale Group. Although no longer the managing director/owner, Mr Lee has remained a key part of the team, visiting Southeast Asia and China four times per year. Robert Brown, Metalube managing director, said: “David has been incred-

Metalube Ltd – UK Fax: +44 161 775 7511

Email: post@metalube.co.uk Website: www.metalube.co.uk

David Lee is to retire from Metalube

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JULY 2018