WCA March 2017

Industry news

€8m investment in steel site

THERE is continuing growing trend toward modified custom special steels. To meet future customer demands for wire rod products and greater coil weights, Swiss Steel has invested €8.5m at its Emmenbrücke site. The entire coil handling division is now state of the art and provides maximum flexibility during further processing of the steel as well as during binding and packaging of the drawn wire. These are important prerequisites for the development of steel products for specific customers. Modernisation is one way that Swiss Steel AG is further strengthening its position as a technology leader. Customer orientation, flexibility and safety are key words in focus of sustainable steel production. With the modernisation of the steel rolling mill, Swiss Steel, a company of the Schmolz + Bickenbach Group, is specifically focusing on the future demands of wire production. Apart from occupational safety, the high degree of automation and more room for manoeuvring in production and customer service are central elements of coil handling. The process parameters were extensively documented electronically, and the material flow is comprehensible at all times. Intelligent data analysis supports conceptual freedom in bespoke development projects – specifically when it comes to configuring product properties to meet specific requirements and the needs of individual customers. Swiss Steel is taking a crucial step towards Industry 4.0 in steel production. Also new at the rolling mill is the technology used from acceptance of the drawn wire to its pressing into coils at the two wire lines. After acceptance testing, the wire is transported by means of a vertical pallet system with 60 pallets and a smaller, horizontal hook conveyor to the press. The technology replaces the almost 40-year-old horizontal transport via a hook conveyor. Combined with the new press, the process is now faster and delivers more consistent quality while using much less energy: The loose wire is pressed into coils using two press

plates to prevent damage to the product. The pressing power of this process can be adjusted to customer specification. The coils are then bound with flat steel strips for a more compact package. Compared to conventional binding with steel wire, transport safety and surface quality are guaranteed at all times. In focusing offerings on the customer, the efficiency of the wire’s further processing by the customer improves. Swiss Steel is thus prepared for the increasing demand in this area for higher coil weights and innovative process ideas. ❍ The new wire handling system at Swiss Steel

Swiss Steel implemented the measure during the summer production stop and at the same time modernised the five-stage Kocks block which was inaugurated in 2002. This block is used to produce bar and wire in Garret (18-50mm ø) and Stelmor (5.5–17.5mm ø) dimensions. In taking this step, delivery reliability has increased sustainably, while maintaining the high standards of quality. Occupational safety has also improved and now complies with current occupational health and safety regulations. Schmolz + Bickenbach – Germany Website :www.schmolz-bickenbach.com

Tenova business forges ahead Effective from 1 st January, the businesses of Tenova Core Inc, Pomini Tenova Inc (USA) and Tenova I2S will operate as a single company. The new company identity is Tenova Inc and all of its business activities will be conducted as Tenova Inc. Thomas Bovalina, current Tenova Core president and CEO, will continue to serve in the same position for the newly formed Tenova Inc. The new company will allow each product area to take advantage of Tenova’s global resource network and advanced technology offerings. The Tenova Inc product portfolio includes Melt Shops, LOI Thermprocess (heat treating furnaces), Italimpianti (reheating furnaces and strip processing), Pomini (roll shops) and I2S (cold rolling mills). The combined company will also allow for a more seamless and efficient sales and delivery process for its customers in the USA, Canada and Mexico markets. Tenova Inc – Italy Website : www.tenova.com

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Wire & Cable ASIA – March/April 2017