German steel group Salzgitter has commissioned a hot straightening machine at its Mülheim an der Ruhr plant. The equipment allows subsidiary Salzgitter Mannesmann Grobblech to process particularly thick, high-strength plate for applications including wind energy infrastructure, according to the company.
The machine represents the subsidiary’s largest single investment in more than 20 years. It was developed with Austrian engineering company Buma Engineering & Anlagenbau to meet the plant’s specific requirements.
Steel plate must be straightened after rolling before it can be used in further manufacturing. Salzgitter expects the new equipment to expand its opportunities in the energy sector. The group has previously identified foundations for offshore wind turbines as one potential application for thicker plate.
Measuring the finished sheet
German machinery manufacturer GEORG has separately introduced smartleveling, a system that measures sheet flatness after steel or aluminium strip has been cut into finished sheets.
According to GEORG, measurements taken while a strip is still moving through a production line can be affected by tension in the material. Checking the cut sheet gives operators information they can use to adjust the levelling machine.
The system uses contactless optical measurement. It displays the results to the operator and can support either manual or automatic changes to machine settings. The data can also be stored for quality control and product traceability.
GEORG says smart levelling can be installed in new production lines or added to existing facilities. Although the two companies’ announcements concern different stages of production, both reflect growing demands for stronger steel products and more precise control of finished plate.
Sources: Press releases from Salzgitter AG and GEORG.
