INDUSTRY NEWS
New SMS strip processing line for tkSE
The commissioning of a new annealing and isolating line in Bochum is an important milestone for thyssenkrupp Steel Europe ( tkSE ). The electrical steel strip processing line , supplied by SMS group , enables tkSE to produce high-grade NGO steel ( non-grainoriented electrical steel strip ). This product is characterised by its special magnetic properties and low core losses , which are crucial for energy-efficient motors , generators and applications in the electromobility sector .
“ The annealing and isolating line is designed for an annual capacity of 200,000 tons and processes electrical steel strip in widths of up to 1,350mm and thicknesses of between 0.20 and 1.00mm at a process speed of up to 150m per minute ,” confirmed SMS .
The strip treatment process features precision heat treatment in which the coldrolled strip is first cleaned and subsequently recrystallised . After that , a layer of insulating varnish is applied to ensure optimal electrical properties .
“ As a result , tkSE will be able to meet the growing demand for high-performance
Above : The team from thyssenkrupp Steel Europe and SMS group starts the new technology for the manufacture of high-grade electrical sheet .
electrical steel strip and strengthen its role as a pioneer in sustainable and energy-efficient processes and products for the future ,” added SMS .
SMS group supplied the complete strip processing line from a single source . In addition to mechanical equipment , process engineering and electrical and automation systems , SMS subsidiaries supplied furnace technology from DREVER , an induction heating
system for the furnace from ELOTHERM , and an automated coil transfer system from AMOVA . The technological core of the line is the combined heat treatment and coating process .
“ The entire plant was engineered using 3D modelling . In this way , potential risks were minimised at an early stage and seamless integration of the new plant into the existing infrastructure was ensured . Our X-Pact ® Plug and Work concept for conducting automation integration tests , using the plant ' s digital twin , enabled final optimisations to be made before the equipment was installed . This approach allowed the facility to be put into operation in a shorter time ,” concluded the SMS group .
To increase operational efficiency , the line is equipped with an automatic coil transport system ( A . C . T .®) from AMOVA . This system uses driverless transport technology to optimise coil handling and help make the production process more efficient . n
www
. sms-group . com
Fehr acquires Matter Srl
The majority shareholder of Fehr Lagerlogistik AG in Winterthur , Switzerland , recently announced the acquisition of Matter Srl in Italy . Both companies are global specialists in AS / AR systems for intralogistics in a variety of metal and other market segments , from mills to service centres and large production companies to job shops .
According to majority shareholder , CEO Thomas Lehner of Fehr : “ We see this acquisition as representing a new day in AS / AR for industry . Together , we can offer a comprehensive range of equipment and services to the market .” The acquisition was finalised between the company management teams on 31 October 2024 .
Fehr , founded in Switzerland in 1949 by Hans Fehr , is today owned by the Lehner family . From warehousing logistics , through to automation and special handling functions , Fehr specialists focus on the smooth movement of materials from stainless steel , tool steel , tube & pipe , aluminium , plastic or wood and other specialty materials handling needs , for its customers . Fehr systems are available in various configurations and offer robotic material handling , automated sheet and long product picking , robotic saw cells and laser-guided loading / unloading .
Fehr operates numerous production
MATT BOX modular storage system for smaller shops .
facilities and warehouses worldwide . Its honeycomb system is one of the fastest AS / AR systems in the market for large quantities . Fehr Warehouse Solutions in Charlotte , North Carolina is the North American base of operations for the company .
Matter , founded in Bibbiano ( Italy ) in 1992 , specialises in the design and installation of technically advanced , vertical intralogistics solutions for the steel industry ( especially for bars , tubes , billets , sheets , dies and
L-R : Thomas Lehner and Marcel Lehner of Fehr , Raffaele Fiore and Giuseppe Rotondi of Matter .
component handling with vertical storage ). It supplies the MATTER PRO series of customised systems for large quantity handling , as well as its MATT BOX modular storage systems for smaller quantities ( aimed at eliminating outside materials storage for the job shop and contract manufacturers ).
Giuseppe Rotondi , CEO of Matter , noted : “ We see the synergy of this relationship as a great opportunity to serve both our markets with a more comprehensive suite of equipment and services .” Matter USA is based in Charlotte , North Carolina . The company counts major U . S . metal service centres , manufacturing operations and job shops among its customer base .
The Lehner family obtained full ownership of Matter . Going forward , plans include the maintenance of both brands in the market , according to company sources . n
www . fehr . net
14 | ismr . net | ISMR March 2025