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• Increased production capacity for high-quality stainless steel and special alloy tubes
• Special seamless tubes for instrumentation and steam generator tubing
• Jiuli has been relying on cold pilger mill technology and services from SMS group since 2010

Zhejiang Jiuli Hi-Tech Metals Co., Ltd. (Jiuli), one of China’s leading manufacturers of stainless steel and special alloy products, has placed an order with SMS group to supply three cold pilger mills, one KPW 50 LC and two KPW 25 LC, for its production site in Huzhou City, Zhejiang Province. This strategic order is part of Jiuli’s global growth strategy to expand its capacity for producing high-quality seamless tubes for demanding applications. Jiuli already supplies high-performance tube products to over 70 countries and plans to use the new mills for demanding sectors such as instrumentation and steam generation tubing.

The cold pilger mills provided by SMS will enhance Jiuli’s production efficiency by enabling precise control over tube dimensions and wall thickness, thereby improving the mechanical properties and quality of the final products. Jiuli already operates several cold pilger mills from SMS in multiple sizes. The new investment in three additional cold pilger mills is a cornerstone of Jiuli’s broader strategic expansion plan, which aims to increase production capacity and enhance the quality of the seamless stainless steel and special alloy tubes produced.

The KPW 50 LC mill stands out for its ability to process hollows with initial diameters ranging from 64 millimeters to 25 millimeters. It efficiently reduces these to final diameters between 48 millimeters and 14 millimeters, utilizing a maximum rolling force of 1,000 kilonewton and operating at a stroke rate of 200 strokes per minute. This precision engineering ensures that the tubes produced meet the required standards of wall thickness and diameter, resulting in products with superior mechanical properties and optimized microstructural characteristics.

The two new KPW 25 LC mills are specifically engineered to handle smaller tube diameters, processing hollows measuring between 38 millimeters to 12 millimeters and achieving final dimensions ranging from 30 millimeters to 8 millimeters. Designed for high-speed production, they operate at a stroke rate of 320 strokes per minute and a maximum rolling force of 440 kilonewton. Advanced control of the feed movement ensures uniform wall thickness distribution and exceptional surface quality, which are critical for applications requiring high precision and reliability.

Beyond the mechanical capabilities of these mills, the comprehensive scope of supply from SMS includes the integrated electrical and automation systems, fluid systems and all required tools and spare parts. SMS will also provide extensive technical support during the installation, commissioning and testing phases, ensuring the seamless integration of these advanced technologies into Jiuli’s existing production framework.

Jiuli’s partnership with SMS dates back to 2010, when Jiuli successfully integrated several cold pilger mills from SMS across various capacity levels. This long-standing relationship underscores Jiuli’s confidence in SMS‘ technological expertise and service excellence. Li Zhengzhou, President of Zhejiang Jiuli Hi-Tech Metals Co., values this long-standing partnership: “With over 30 years of operational experience, Jiuli is committed to producing tubes that provide 50, 60, or even 100 years of safe service for our customers. The high deformation capacity and precision of SMS group’s cold pilger mills ensure the performance and lifespan of these materials. Although the equipment is cost-intensive, the consideration of the total lifecycle cost is reasonable. Consequently, this investment decision is based on the above strategic considerations. By continuing to choose SMS group’s equipment, we aim to enhance our capability to deliver high-performance, ultra-reliable materials for Jiuli’s global high-end customers.”