2. December 2016

Swiss Steel AG sets the course for Steel Production 4.0

  • 8.5 million Euros invested in wire production
  • Entire coil handling division is now state-of-the-art
  • Swiss Steel AG is further strengthening their position as a technology leader

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 8.5 million Euros at their Emmenbrücke site.

Customer orientation, flexibility and safety – these are the key words in focus of sustainable steel production. With the modernization 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 maneuver 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.

New at the rolling mill is also 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 state-of-the-art 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 optimally prepared for the increasing demand in this area for higher coil weights and innovative process ideas.

Swiss Steel implemented the measure during the summer production stop and at the same time modernized the 5-stage Kocks block which was inaugurated in 2002. This block is used to produce bar and wire in Garret (18 – 50 mm ø) and Stelmor (5.5 – 17.5 mm ø) dimensions. In taking this step, delivery reliability has increased sustainably, while maintaining the highest standards of quality. Occupational safety has also improved and now complies with current occupational health and safety regulations.

 

About Swiss Steel
In the European long steel market, Swiss Steel AG is one of the leading vendors of quality, stainless and free-cutting steel solutions. The company’s core products include 5.5 – 44 mm diameter wire rod as well as 16 – 66 mm diameter bar steel. The range of profiles comprises round steel, hexagon steel as well as profiled steel. Swiss Steel is a centre of excellence for the production of high-quality special steels for the automotive, manufacturing and apparatus engineering industries and has more than 150 years of experience in steel production. Networking throughout the entire value-add chain, Swiss Steel develops stainless steels that meet the precise requirements of processors and finishers, enabling Swiss Steel to contribute to their success in the markets.

 

About SCHMOLZ + BICKENBACH
The SCHMOLZ + BICKENBACH Group is today one of the world’s leading providers of individual solutions in the special long steel products sector. The Group is among the leading manufacturers of tool steel and non-corrosive long steel on the global market and one of the two largest companies in Europe for alloyed and high-alloyed constructional steel. With around 9,000 employees and in-house production and distribution companies in over 30 countries on 5 continents, the company guarantees its customers a global supply and customer service and offers a complete production portfolio as well as sales and services around the world. Customers benefit from the company's technological expertise, consistently high product quality around the world and detailed knowledge of local markets. 

 

Business contact
Dr. Ulrich Steiner • SCHMOLZ + BICKENBACH
Telephone: +41 (0) 41 581-4120
E-mail: u.steiner(at)schmolz-bickenbach.com
Internet: www.schmolz-bickenbach.com

Press relations agency
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Public relations for logistics, steel, industrial goods and IT
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