Production sequence

Rounds storage

The cast rounds storage is the input materials buffer store between the steel producer and seamless tube production in Zeithain. It stores more than 300 different steel grades as continuous cast rounds with lengths up to 11.5 m and dimensions of Ø180 mm and Ø220 mm.

Cold saws

The three cold saws are integrated into the production flow for cutting the cast rounds into billet lengths from 400 mm to 1900 mm.

Rotary hearth furnace

The rotary hearth furnace heats the billets to the required rolling temperature under the aspect of consistent heat distribution within the billet.

Three-roll piercing mill

The three-roll piercing mill is the initial deformation step within the process of the tube production. It is the result of ongoing development of the well-known Mannesmann piercing procedure. The advantage of the three-roll cross rolling mill is the improved stress condition in the core of the billet. The piercing stand produces elongated pierced hollows.

Dishing press

After insertion of the mandrel rod into the elongated hollow, the dishing press fixes the hollow head to the tip of the mandrel rod in preparation of the push process.

Push bench

The push bench is the second main forming step in the production of seamless tubes and the tube mill is named after this main elongation process. The mandrel rod pushes the elongated hollow through several in-line roll stands to produce the so-called hollow.

Detaching mill

The detaching mill increases the diameter of the hollow in circumferential direction by means of a forming process. The mandrel rod can then be removed easily and is returned to the push bench process.

Hot saws

The hot saws cut off the hollow head which is inevitably developed in the bordering process, or the rear end of the hollow.

Reheating furnace

This furnace reheats the cooled hollows to the temperature required for the last forming step.

Stretch reducing mill

The stretch-reducing mill represents the third main forming step of seamless tube production. The heated hollow is stretched to achieve the final diameter and wall thickness by up to 30 driven roll stands without internal tool through several driven roller stands.