Techno–economic comparison of typical Nire-rod mills: the experience of Kobe Steel

Abstract

This paper presents a comparison of five typical wire-rod mills from both the economic and the technical points of view, and sets out the characteristics of each mill. The rolling capacity of the five mills ranges from 5000 to 50000 tons per month. Some of them can be used for the production of both wire-rod and bar products. The diameters that can be rolled range from 5·5 mm to 38 mm for wire rod and from 9·5 mm to 80 mm for straight bar. The five typical mills are studied for comparative purposes from four main points of view: (a) the quality and quantity of product; (b) the productivity of the mill; (c) the skills and the number of operators, and (d) the construction costs. Some of the figures given in the paper (e.g. the construction costs for building the mills) may vary in accordance with local conditions in different countries. However, the relative evaluation of the different types of mill can be used for the selection of the type of mill to be installed. The descriptions and conclusions are based on the practical operating experience of Kobe Steel Ltd in the rolling of wire rod and bar over half a century. The company's present capacity for wire rod is about 200000 tons per month, in seven mills built over the last fifteen years.