NLMK Clabecq announces this month the launch of “InThinity”, an improved process technology to producing quarto heavy plates, offering high precision across thicknesses of up to 15 mm as a standard feature. InThinity represents a major step forward in delivering thin steel plates with consistently tight thickness tolerances.

Enabled by an investment in modernizing its finishing mill, NLMK Clabecq has set a new standard in steel plate production with its InThinity technology. The upgrades include Hydraulic Gauge Control (HGC), advanced flatness management, and the replacement of the primary and the secondary descaler, now operating at 250 and 130 bars. Completed in late 2023, this modernization has led to improved thickness stability, enhanced rolling precision, and greater energy efficiency, meeting the requirements of industries like transport, construction, and energy, where accuracy is crucial.

“InThinity is exclusive to NLMK Clabecq, providing a highly controlled production process for thin plates, which directly benefits our customers' need for reliable and precise steel,” said Peter Selbach, Chief Commercial Officer of NLMK Europe - Plate. “This technology ensures that high precision is embedded in every plate as a standard offering, strengthening our position as a supplier of premium steel products and helping manufacturers achieve better performance in their operations.”

Precision for Demanding Applications

InThinity also enhances the structural integrity of the plates by ensuring an even stress distribution, contributing to more reliable mechanical properties. The improved precision allows the use of thinner plates without compromising strength, which translates to potential weight savings in various applications, providing manufacturers with greater design flexibility and performance optimization. For applications requiring even tighter tolerances, InThinity+ offers superior accuracy for critical projects.

“For example, InThinity ensures thickness tolerances that significantly surpass industry standards: for thicknesses between 3.00 mm and 5.00 mm, tolerances are reduced from 1.00 mm according to EN 10029 to 0.60 mm with InThinity, and further to a guaranteed 0.40 mm with InThinity+,” explains Philippe Hernaut, Head of Quality of NLMK Clabecq.

Optimized Production Efficiency

The InThinity process has been made possible by a revamped finishing mill featuring four independent rolling stands. This configuration allows for precise adjustments during production, ensuring uniform thickness throughout the plate while positively affecting flatness. The consistency of thickness throughout each plate reduces the need for rework, improving manufacturing efficiency in operations like cutting or bending.

“Innovation is at the heart of our approach at NLMK Clabecq, and InThinity is the latest example of how we combine technology with customer-driven solutions,” continues Peter Selbach. “The technical advancements of our mill make InThinity a highly attractive offering for industries requiring thin plates with superior performance. InThinity also supports NLMK Clabecq’s sustainability goals by reducing energy consumption and CO2 emissions through optimized reheating and rolling processes.”

With InThinity, NLMK Clabecq opens new possibilities for heavy plate applications, providing manufacturers with steel products that not only meet the highest standards of precision but also contribute to more efficient and reliable production outcomes.