FOCUS ON PLASMA CUTTING
Above: Employees of the two shifts in Grosschädl Stahl’ s cutting department.
Wimmer, Head of Messer Cutting Systems Austria. All project steps and interfaces were coordinated in close collaboration to ensure a smooth installation.
“ The trust that Grosschädl Stahl placed in us is the result of years of cooperation and consistent service quality,” emphasised Wimmer.
“ The collaboration was seamless and flexible. Thanks to perfect coordination prior to installation, the machine was able to be put into operation quickly,” explained Starchl.
Claudi Kronheim also added:“ We greatly appreciated the professionalism of the process.”
Grosschädl Stahl opted for a MultiTherm cutting machine with two plasma heads. The decisive factor was the complete package supplied, including both product and service.
When replacing the old system with a new plasma cutting machine, the existing infrastructure was intelligently re-used, a crucial step towards cost optimisation. Relocating and realigning the existing track was a key project step.
In addition, the existing extraction table was converted from manual to CNC-controlled flap operation. This increases process reliability, improves extraction management and makes a significant contribution to efficiency and costeffectiveness,” said Messer Cutting Systems.
Two ELEMENT machines, each with four ALFA oxyfuel torches on a track, at Grosschädl Stahl.
Optimised production processes
Today, four cutting systems are in operation at Grosschädl Stahl: one OmniMat oxyfuel cutting machine, two ELEMENT machines each with four ALFA torches, and the new MultiTherm with two HiFocus 280ineo power sources. Standardisation, said Messer Cutting Systems, is paying off in operation, maintenance and reliability.
“ Downtime is virtually a thing of the past, and repairs are less frequent. The new technology is also durable, resource-efficient and economical to operate,” it told ISMR.
Claudia Kronheim, Managing Partner, Grosschädl Stahl, summed it up:“ The conversion to the new technology was more cost-effective, quick to implement and noticeably reduces our environmental impact.” Significant progress is also evident in the manufacturing process, where workflows have noticeably improved.
“ We have shorter lead times and can respond even faster to customer requirements,” said Starchl.“ We now have four identical power sources. This significantly simplifies operation and maintenance.”
The result is higher productivity, reliable planning and a sustainably strengthened market position for the company.
Starchl concluded:“ I would make the same decision again. Vertical oxyfuel and plasma cutting are our core competencies. Messer Cutting Systems is a reliable partner and provides the right solutions.”
Future expansion plans
Future expansion will require an increase in production space.
“ Building an additional hall isn’ t easy due to our location in Graz, but it’ s not impossible,” explained Markus Starchl of Grosschädl Stahl.
The company is also focusing on processing thick sheets of up to 400mm thick that weigh up to 24 tons. With this capability, Grosschädl Stahl plans to further expand its manufacturing expertise and unlock new market opportunities.
On its website, the company summed up its philosophy for growth:“ Only through continuous modernisation of our company, sustained work on our services and intensive dialogue with our customers can we maintain a strong market position. This is the only way that we can ensure our long-term survival,” it said.
“ We see Messer Cutting Systems as a long-term partner who will support us in our technological development,” concluded Claudia Kronheim. n
MultiTherm in focus
The MultiTherm ® is a versatile cutting machine for both plasma and oxyfuel processes, either singly or in combination.
“ It offers consistently high-quality cutting performance with rapid acceleration and positioning speeds of up to 50m / minute. The machine also features integrated collision protection, parking for unused torches over the wheel-housing and high effective working widths,” commented Messer Cutting Systems.
“ The modern CNC control( Global Control) speeds set-up, reduces errors and is available as a floor-standing or a machine-mounted version. The MultiTherm ® is suitable for a wide range of applications. Twin-sided longitudinal drives ensure precise and efficient processing. The system supports multi-torch operation in both oxyfuel and plasma modes, enhancing productivity. A wide selection of additional machining tools for marking and drilling means that users can pick the most suitable option for their production,” it added.
About Messer Cutting Systems
Messer Cutting Systems is a global supplier of products and services for the metalworking industry. Its product range includes oxyfuel, plasma and laser cutting systems from hand-guided machines up to special machines for shipbuilding, as well as machines and equipment for oxyfuel welding, cutting, brazing, soldering and heating.
Spare parts, repairs, modernisation, maintenance and service as well as environmental technology round out the product portfolio. In-house software solutions optimise production and business processes. The product range is extended by solutions from technology partners e. g. in automation.
The machine manufacturer supplies complete solutions and concentrates strategically on advising its customers on innovation such as the digitalisation of processes and products. Messer Cutting Systems is represented with almost 1,000 employees in five main locations with production facilities in more than 50 countries.
www. grosschaedl. at /
https:// uk. messer-cutting. com /
ISMR May 2026 | ismr. net | 33