Zhejiang Jiuli Hi-Tech Metals Co., Ltd. (Jiuli), one of China’s leading manufacturers of stainless steel and special alloy products, has commissioned SMS group to supply three cold pilger mills — one KPW 50 LC and two KPW 25 LC — for its production site in Huzhou, Zhejiang Province. This strategic investment is part of Jiuli’s global growth strategy to expand its capacity for manufacturing high-quality seamless tubes for demanding applications. Jiuli already exports its high-performance tube products to over 70 countries and plans to use the new equipment to produce tubes for sophisticated instrumentation and steam generator applications.
The new cold pilger mills offer precise control over tube dimensions and wall thicknesses, thereby improving the mechanical properties and quality of the final products, while also increasing Jiuli’s production efficiency. Jiuli already operates several cold pilger mills from SMS in various sizes. The addition of three more mills is a cornerstone of the company’s expansion strategy, which aims to increase production capacity and further enhance the quality of its seamless stainless steel and special alloy tubes.
The KPW 50 LC stands out for its ability to process tube hollows with initial diameters ranging from 64 to 25 millimeters. With a maximum rolling force of 1,000 kilonewtons and a rolling speed of 200 strokes per minute, it efficiently reduces these to final diameters between 48 and 14 millimeters. This precision technology ensures the produced tubes meet exacting standards for wall thickness and diameter, while also delivering superior mechanical properties and optimized microstructure.
The two new KPW 25 LC mills are specifically designed for processing smaller tube sizes. They can handle tube hollows from 38 to 12 millimeters and produce final dimensions between 30 and 8 millimeters. With a rolling speed of 320 strokes per minute and a maximum rolling force of 440 kilonewtons, these machines operate at high efficiency. Their advanced control of the feed motion ensures uniform wall thickness distribution and exceptional surface quality — both critical features for applications requiring the highest precision and reliability.
In addition to the mechanical equipment, the SMS scope of supply includes integrated electrical and automation systems, associated media systems, as well as all necessary tools and spare parts. SMS will also provide comprehensive technical support during the installation, commissioning, and testing phases to ensure the seamless integration of the new mills into Jiuli’s existing production environment.
The partnership between Jiuli and SMS dates back to 2010, beginning with the successful integration of several cold pilger mills from SMS. This long-standing collaboration reflects Jiuli’s confidence in SMS’s technological expertise and outstanding service. Li Zhengzhou, President of Zhejiang Jiuli Hi-Tech Metals Co., values this enduring relationship: “With more than 30 years of operational experience, Jiuli is committed to manufacturing tubes that can reliably perform for 50, 60, or even 100 years. The high forming performance and precision of SMS group’s cold pilger mills ensure the performance and longevity of the materials we use. While the equipment involves significant investment, the lifecycle costs are reasonable. Our investment decision is therefore based on these strategic considerations. By once again choosing equipment from SMS group, we are strengthening our ability to supply ultra-reliable high-performance materials to Jiuli’s high-end customers around the world.”
