ECORSE, Mich.–U. S. Steel announced it has accepted delivery of a new fiber-optic laser beam welder at its Great Lakes Works pickle line, a key component of a $28.3 million investment in advanced, high-strength upgrades at the facility.
In addition to the laser welder, the Great Lakes Works pickle line will also be outfitted with high-performance dual-entry shears, capable of serving two pass lines, during a 30-day outage scheduled to begin in October.
A pickle line in a steel mill is a continuous processing system that cleans hot-rolled steel by running it through acid baths to remove rust and scale.
“The strength of Great Lakes Works is its people,” said David B. Burritt, president and CEO of U. S. Steel. “This investment gives them modern tools, builds new skills, and helps ensure steelmaking has a strong future in Michigan. When we invest in our people, we invest in the future of U. S. Steel.”
The $28.3 million investment funds critical upgrades and introduces new technologies that will strengthen U. S. Steel’s competitiveness by increasing operating efficiency and supporting more reliable production. Customers will benefit from elevated product quality and timelier delivery to meet their production requirements.
The upgrades address two critical steps in continuous pickle line processing: The laser welder connects the end of one steel coil to the beginning of the next, allowing the steel to move continuously through the line; while the dual-pass entry shears crop off any anomalies prior to welding two coils together. Combined, they will enable Great Lakes Works to produce more advanced high-strength steel.
“We are kickstarting a powerful new chapter for steelmaking in Michigan,” said Executive Vice President & Chief Manufacturing Officer – North American Flat-Rolled Segment Scott Buckiso. “This is just one more example of how we are strengthening facilities and leveraging modern technology to ensure U. S. Steel remains an industry leader now and well into the future.”
In addition to delivering benefits to customers, the Great Lakes Works enhancements also benefit employees through 3D virtual training received prior to installation and skills development they will continue to gain on the job.
For more information, visit www.ussteel.com.