BENTELER upgrades seamless tube mill with SMS group’s advanced CARTA®neo automation technology

• BENTELER to upgrade its CARTA^® automation system to SMS group’s next-generation CARTA^®neo SRM Technology System, which includes updated crop end control (CEC) and wall thickness control (WTC)
• The modernization will safeguard system availability and improve product quality and operational productivity
• BENTELER is extending its partnership with SMS group with a three-year system service package 

BENTELER Steel/Tube GmbH & Co KG, a leading manufacturer of seamless and welded tubes, has placed an order with SMS group to upgrade its seamless tube mill in Paderborn-Schloss Neuhaus, Germany, with the advanced CARTA^®neo SRM Technology System. The replacement of the existing CARTA^® system with state-of-the-art hardware and upgraded software is aimed at ensuring operational efficiency and high product quality.

CARTA^®neo SRM is an advanced technological system designed for automating the complex stretch-reducing process in seamless tube mills. It features modern hardware and software architecture, including the latest crop end control (CEC) and wall thickness control (WTC) functions, developed to improve the yield, wall thickness performance, and operational efficiency of seamless tube mills. The upgrade from the previous CARTA^® system to the CARTA^®neo SRM system ensures the future availability of the system by replacing discontinued hardware and software components, addressing the issue of scarce spare parts and support for the existing system. Additionally, it will provide BENTELER with simplified access to the CARTA^® system via various client options (PC, tablet, etc.) through its browser-based architecture. The project will also incorporate customized adaptations to optimize the operation of the stretch-reducing mill (SRM) with the downstream flying saw. The project is expected to be completed by Q3 2025.

The scope of supply includes the CARTA^®neo SRM solution that features planning and process modules for installation on a virtual server and a redundant, real-time system based on SMS’ X-Pact^® system. The equipment will be supported by a 36-month system service package, including remote maintenance, troubleshooting, updates, and customizations, as and when required. The new system will incorporate existing planning and process data and utilize open-source software for the operating system and database. With the implementation of virtual CARTA servers, hardware independence will be secured in the future.

With the latest CARTA^®neo SRM system, BENTELER will remain competitive in the market by benefiting from state-of-the-art hardware and software support. Enhancing the mill’s efficiency and product quality will allow BENTELER to continue serving the demanding automotive, energy, and industrial markets with superior quality products.

The long-standing relationship between SMS and BENTELER Steel/Tube GmbH dates back to the delivery of the stretch-reducing mill, along with an early version of the process planning module and the first-ever crop end control (CEC) system, in 1985. Over the decades, the mill has undergone several upgrades, making this the fourth generation of the CARTA^® SRM provided by SMS for this specific mill. This modernization project again highlights SMS’s commitment to being a lifecycle partner to its customers, offering innovative solutions that support existing equipment upgrades.