Modernization and restart of the 3.5 m plate mill at Vitkovice

The 3.5 m plate mill at Vitkovice a.s., Ostrava, originally built in 1971, was completely modernized in 1998/99. The mechanical improvements were carried out by the engineering department of Vitkovice, including the installation of new hydraulic systems and equipment. A completely new automation system was integrated and commissioned by Voest-Alpine Industrieanlagenbau GmbH (VAI). An automation highlight was the application of VAI's TruShape system, which assures the exact rectangularity of the rolled plates. Another important advantage for Vitkovice is that longitudinally shaped plates can now be rolled. Restart of the plate mill commenced in February 1999, followed by an excellent production start-up curve exceeding original estimates.