AMT Magnetostrictive Position Sensors on Xiangtan Steel's 5-Meter Plate Production Line

XIANGTAN, HUNAN, China – June 3, 2025 – Xiangtan Iron & Steel Co., Ltd., a prominent member of the Hunan Valin Steel Group, has successfully integrated advanced AMT magnetostrictive position sensors into its state-of-the-art 5-meter heavy plate production line. This strategic technological upgrade is set to deliver significant improvements in operational precision, final product quality, and overall manufacturing efficiency for one of China's key steel producers.

The 5-meter plate production line at Xiangtan Steel, renowned for manufacturing high-grade, wide steel plates utilized in critical sectors such as shipbuilding, bridge construction, and heavy machinery, operates under exceptionally demanding environmental conditions. These include extreme temperatures, substantial shock and vibration, high levels of dust and steam, and strong electromagnetic interference. Traditional position measurement technologies often face challenges in maintaining accuracy and reliability in such harsh settings, potentially impacting plate consistency and increasing maintenance requirements.

To address these operational challenges, Xiangtan Steel has selected AMT's robust magnetostrictive position sensor technology. These sensors are distinguished by their non-contact measurement principle, providing highly accurate, repeatable, and absolute position feedback. The rugged, sealed design of AMT sensors ensures exceptional resilience against the aggressive conditions typical of steel rolling mills, guaranteeing long-term operational stability and reduced downtime.

The AMT magnetostrictive position sensors have been strategically deployed in several critical control systems along the 5-meter plate line. Key applications include providing precise real-time position feedback for the hydraulic screwdown cylinders within the rolling stands. This data is vital for the Automatic Gauge Control (AGC) systems, which are crucial for maintaining uniform plate thickness with tight tolerances. Additional applications include roller gap adjustment, edger position control, and feedback for other high-performance hydraulic actuators where precise position measurement is paramount.

Since the implementation, Xiangtan Steel has reported notable enhancements in its plate rolling operations. The enhanced control accuracy afforded by the AMT sensors has led to more consistent plate dimensions, improved thickness uniformity, and superior surface quality. Furthermore, the inherent reliability and durability of the AMT sensors have contributed to a reduction in unscheduled maintenance stops and lower operational costs associated with position feedback systems, thereby boosting overall equipment effectiveness (OEE) and production throughput.

"The integration of AMT's magnetostrictive sensor technology is a testament to our commitment to leveraging advanced automation for superior product quality and operational excellence," stated Mr. Chen Hong, Chief Engineer of the Heavy Plate Mill at Xiangtan Iron & Steel. "The precision, reliability, and resilience of these sensors in our demanding mill environment are enabling us to meet ever-stricter market requirements and optimize our production processes effectively."

This successful deployment at Xiangtan Steel's 5-meter plate production line highlights the critical role of advanced sensor technologies in the modernization of the steel industry. By investing in cutting-edge solutions like AMT magnetostrictive position sensors, Xiangtan Iron & Steel continues to solidify its position as a leader in high-quality steel manufacturing and a proponent of smart factory initiatives.