The companies said it will be the first endless-rolling machine in the country, enabling head-to-tail billet joining. The sixth-generation billet welding system is also fully automatic. The K-Welding unit eliminates both billet gap time and the short bars traditionally delivered on cooling bed. It can produce up to 180 metric tons hourly. 

Features of the new K-Welding HBW include a structure that reduces cleaning operations by 50%, a cartridge-based concept for fast and safe off-line maintenance, and a current-control system. 

The companies said start-up is scheduled for the second quarter of 2027.