Asservimenti Presse coil-processing line .
customer requirements . However , for this project , we are focusing on our specialty area : more customised lines in collaborative projects with our customers ,” confirmed Albini .
Asservimenti Presse works with OEMs , press and equipment manufacturers to equip complete coil lines . These lines may incorporate a range of equipment such as decoilers ; straighteners ; feeders ; presses etc . Albini has seen the increasing adoption of servo technology in many of these lines , as customers opt for more control and better productivity on their lines .
“ We completed a project recently to make a new straightener to process 5mm-thick aluminium for electric vehicle production . This was for a Tier 1 customer ’ s lines for automotive parts in Europe and USA . His three coil-stamping lines ( using mechanical presses ) produce aluminium battery cases ( 3-5mm thick ),” Albini also told ISMR .
Market movements
The company ’ s key market sector is the automotive industry , where Albini has noted the marked trend towards electric vehicles . The move to electric and hybrid systems in the automotive market sector , as well as the prevalence of individual electric motors in cars , has seen the company ’ s business grow . More of its lines are producing components for electric motors in cars for its customers
“ I think coil-processing trends , in general , are pointing towards smaller , relatively uncomplicated lines that guarantee rapid changeovers . A lot of part production has now come back to Europe , but this calls for a new type of production and line philosophy . These need to be planned and coordinated with customers and close collaboration is required ,” he explained .
“ We find ourselves working more now on coil lines to process lightweight materials ( such as high-strength steels and aluminium ) with quick changeover times . Our customers are
asking us for this . They also ask us for more coil lines to process copper ( for electric car production ),” Albini told ISMR .
Short changeover times help to ensure greater efficiency and productivity . Albini also sees more requirements for automation in lines , as well as a drive towards Industry 4.0 . In Italy . This has been encouraged in some European countries ( such as Italy ) where government tax incentives encourage the purchase of capital equipment with Industry- 4.0 capability .
“ All our automotive customers are currently based in Europe . However , next year , our customer profile will change slightly and 80 % will be in Europe , with the remaining 20 % in central America ,” confirmed Albini .
“ Business has been very good this year and our turnover will be better than last year . However , we ( like many other manufacturers ) have been affected by supply-chain part shortages . I am optimistic in my outlook for next year , but there are lots of geopolitical factors that could affect the market ( China , Europe , the war in Ukraine ). It is very hard to predict what will happen ,” he concluded . n
A compact coil line with shear and decoiler .
AP feeding lines
FACE TO FACE
■ Traditional lines , made up of three machines ( decoiler , straightener and feeder ) used with high-speed presses or working with delicate materials ( stainless steel , prepainted strip etc .).
■ Compact lines ( decoiler and electronic straightener-feederunits for thicknesses of up to 14mm and widths from 200 up to 2000mm , with system for automatic strip insertion ).
Electronic straightener-feederunits , via the open upper head , enable cleaning of the rolls , making the material easier to introduce and allowing material release for the pilot centring ( especially useful for greater material thicknesses .)
Examples of parts from AP coil-stamping lines .
New line with automatic coil change