OREANDA-NEWS. January 10, 2012.  The first slabs have been successfully cast at Novolipetsk’s (NLMK’s main production site in Lipetsk) newly revamped 1 mtpy vertical continuous casting machine (CCM-3). Following the revamp, CCM-3 capacity increased by 300 ktpy due to higher casting rates and shorter periods between repairs. Product mix capabilities have been expanded, with new equipment allowing slab thickness of up to 315 mm and steel quality has been improved due to increased process automation.

 The c.RUR3.6 billion project is part of the second stage of NLMK’s Technical Upgrade Program, which, alongside other activities, is aimed at increasing steel output from 9 to 12.4 mtpy at NLMK’s Lipetsk site.

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 CCM-3 will be used to produce a wide range of high-quality slabs from various steel grades for further rolling into flat steel products. It is the 6th production facility for continuous slab casting to be commissioned after revamping at the Lipetsk site.