From Traditional Tongs to Intelligent Clamping Systems: Elevating Efficiency and Safety in Steel Logistics Transfer

In the demanding environment of steel logistics and transfer, traditional tongs face critical challenges such as failure risks under extreme heat and safety concerns from manual operations. Dalian Taiding Heavy Industry’s self-developed Power-Type Slab Tongs break through these operational bottlenecks with a robust design tailored for high-temperature, high-load conditions. This breakthrough significantly enhances automation levels and safety in cold rolling finishing and logistics transfer scenarios.

Critical Pain Points of Conventional Clamping Devices

Conventional slab tongs are prone to deformation and failure in temperatures exceeding 1000°C, often compromising operational safety and causing costly downtime. Moreover, dependence on manual adjustments increases the likelihood of human error, exposing workers to hazardous conditions. Mining efficiency and worker safety necessitate an upgrade to smarter, more reliable clamping solutions.

Innovative Technical Features at a Glance

At the heart of this solution is the integration of high-strength alloy steel, ensuring exceptional durability and heat resistance up to 1200°C. Complementing the material strength, a precision hydraulic automatic adjustment system enables real-time adaptive clamping force, optimizing grip without compromising slab integrity. The synergy of these technologies results in fewer mechanical failures and enhanced operational precision.

Real-World Application: From Cold Rolling to Continuous Casting

These intelligent tongs have been rigorously tested and deployed in various steel industry scenarios, including:

• Cold Rolling Finishing Lines: Automation integration has shortened clamping cycles by 20%, sharply increasing throughput.
• Hot Rolling Handling: Enhanced clamp stability enables safer handling of slabs up to 12 tons in dynamic conveyor settings.
• Continuous Casting Lines: Operation under consistent temperatures above 1100°C with zero mechanical failures in over 150 production days.

Advanced Simulation and Manufacturing Oversight

Leveraging MSC NASTRAN finite element analysis, the tong design underwent extensive simulation of thermal expansion, stress distribution, and fatigue resistance. These studies warranted a resilient structure that endures prolonged exposure to severe conditions. Combined with the Teamcenter PDM system, quality assurance is embedded throughout manufacturing, enabling traceability of every component — a crucial factor for safety compliance and long-term reliability.

“Since adopting these smart slab tongs, our transfer operations reached unprecedented stability, reducing downtime by nearly half,” an operational manager from a leading metallurgical plant confirmed.

Proven Performance Backed by Data

To date, over 1100 units have been deployed across global steelmakers, performing reliably at operational temperatures surpassing 1200°C. Statistical monitoring reveals:

• More than 99.8% uptime across installed systems over 24 months.
• 20-25% decrease in slab surface defects linked to better clamping control.
• Over 40% reduction in maintenance-related halts due to predictive data from PDM integration.

We invite industry professionals to share their operational pain points and challenges with steel slab handling. How could intelligent clamping systems best serve your needs? Feel free to leave your thoughts and questions below.