To meet future customer demands for wire rod products and greater coil weights, Swiss Steel has invested €8.5 million at its Emmenbrucke site in Switzerland.
Customer orientation, flexibility and safety – these are the key principals at the core 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 manoeuvre in production and customer service are central elements of coil handling.
The process parameters are extensively documented electronically, and the material flow is comprehensive. 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. With its investment, Swiss Steel believes it 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. By focusing offerings on the customer, they can improve efficiency on any further wire processing. 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 2016 summer production stop and at the same time modernised the 5-stage Kocks block, which was inaugurated in 2002. This block is used to produce bar and wire in Garret (18mm – 50mm diameter) and Stelmor (5.5mm – 17.5mm) 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.
Will joined Fastener + Fixing Magazine in 2007 and over the last 15 years has experienced every facet of the fastener sector - interviewing key figures within the industry and visiting leading companies and exhibitions around the globe.
Will manages the content strategy across all platforms and is the guardian for the high editorial standards that the Magazine is renowned.
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