PRODUCT REVIEWS
Aluminium for architecture it extends the flexibility and productivity of Salvagnini panel benders because it allows the most suitable strategy to be chosen , based on current production needs . On unmanned shifts , or in production contexts where a single operator monitors numerous systems , P-Robot works in R2R ( robot-to-robot ) mode , loading , unloading and , if necessary , stacking the parts . But this is not an exclusive strategy : the same P-Robot can work in different modes , seamlessly and without re-tooling .
In R2H ( robot-to-human ) mode , it is responsible solely for loading the flat part , whereas the operator is responsible for unloading the panel . This is an advantageous strategy if the operator needs to complete the processing of the panel on a different workstation – for example , with a press brake or a welding machine . In H2R ( human-to-robot ) mode , it is the operator who will load the flat part onto the working area , and the robot will unload the panel at the end of the cycle : this strategy is useful for managing extremely diversified batch-one production . The panel bender also remains available for any work managed entirely by the operator .
“ P-Robot defines a new paradigm for the panel bender with robot configuration , maximizing its flexibility and productivity . But P-Robot is also an automation system , because it automates certain steps in the panel bending process and , like all automation , can contribute to improving efficiency and reducing labour costs . Its great benefit is that it is not necessary to choose a specific production strategy in the design phase . It can solve different requirements : large batches , small batches , kits , batch-one ( but also downstream ) integrations , total automation , partial automation or no automation , as required ,” Artuso concluded . n
Novelis Inc ., a specialist in aluminium rolling and recycling , has announced the launch of Novelis HRC57S ®, an anodisingquality aluminium product containing more than 90 % recycled content . The product is designed for decorative batch anodising with strong bending and non-combustible properties . It is part of the company ’ s new AL : sust™ product family .
“ The new HRC57S ® alloy has undergone a series of independent tests to ensure that gloss , colour and corrosion resistance all meet the architecture industry ’ s demanding performance standards . HRC57S ® is available in flat sheet dimensions and as coil for further batch anodising and processing . It allows architects , fabricators , façade installers and building owners to achieve more sophisticated and compelling designs , while decreasing the carbon footprint of newbuild or redesigned structures ,” said Novelis .
In 2021 , the company launched a highrecycled content , pre-anodised product , Novelis HRC73A ®, which has been nominated for the 2022 German Innovation Award . Similar to HRC57S ®, it features more than 90 % recycled content to meet users ’ low-carbon aluminium needs .
“ The launch of HRC57S ® further expands our sustainable anodising product suite for architectural applications ,” said Stephen Boney , Vice President , Novelis Europe Specialties . “ Whether our customers require pre-anodised solutions for direct cladding or anodising quality products for batch anodising , these innovative applications meet the most demanding architectural requirements .”
To support growing customer demand for sustainable solutions , the company is introducing Novelis AL : sust™ , a Novelis Europe Specialties family brand featuring low-carbon aluminium products with recycled content of at least 80 %. Novelis HRC57S ® and HRC73A ® are the first two members of the AL : sust™ family , with more product additions planned for multiple , end-use applications .
“ Taking sustainability to the next level , products in the AL : sust™ family enable our customers to decarbonise their own products while maintaining rigorous quality , performance and safety standards ,” Boney emphasised . “ This exciting accomplishment with the portfolio demonstrates a continued focus on increasing recycled content in our aluminium products as we develop more sustainable solutions that will enable our customers to meet their goals for carbon reduction .”
Novelis , a pioneer in aluminium recycling , has invested more than US $ 700 million over the last decade in recycling facilities worldwide , and recently announced additional recycling investments of more than US $ 430 million . Novelis uses an average of 61 % recycled aluminium across a wide range of rolled products . The company has goals to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050 or sooner , as well as to reduce its carbon footprint by 30 % by 2026 .
The company recycles more than 74- billion beverage cans each year , turning them back into new beverage cans in roughly 60 days . It also also reportedly created the “ first and largest automotive closed-loop recycling system in the world ” which recycles scrap aluminum from the automotive manufacturing process . This process requires just five per cent of the energy and emits only five per cent of the greenhouse gases compared to using primary aluminum . n
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