FACE TO FACE
sees more requirements for automation in lines , as well as a drive towards Industry 4.0 . “ Material types are changing , as are the machines used on the line . I see much smaller production lines nowadays with high part mixes featuring rapid changeover to different part production . I also see more customers delivering ‘ Just in Time ’ with tight deadlines . Our machines are built for rapid production and quick changeover to meet these requirements ,” Ottavio Albini told ISMR .
However , a key focus for Asservimenti Presse has been on developing equipment that saves on material and energy costs . Spiralling inflation and energy prices are a real concern for manufacturers today so the company has changed from using hydraulic to servo-electric drives in its lines to pursue energy savings for its customers . The use of coil material in its steel and aluminium processing lines is an important time- , resource- and energy-saving
A long processing line developed by the Italian manufacturer .
Albini also sees more requirements for automation in lines , as well as a drive towards Industry 4.0
development : better for material utilisation , minimising scrap levels and increasing efficiency .
“ Our new electronic straightener-feeder unit with electronic pilot release allows users to completely clear the material using a numerical control system . Anticipating the future , and with sustainability in mind , we have created a machine that can reduce the opening and closing time of the straightener head ; reduce the impact speed of the rolls on the material ; save energy and reduce the use of lubricants ,” Ottavio Albini explained .
An eye on markets
“ Our biggest markets are Italy , Germany and Poland . The Italian government awarded important Industry 4.0 incentives last year to companies investing in capital equipment , which spurred the Italian market , but these have now been reduced to 20 %. We are seeing dips in European markets currently , while the market in the United States is seeing growth . We often work with other partners / companies to sell our press feeding lines and equipment in particular countries ( in Germany , for example ),” commented Ottavio Albini .
“ After the COVID-19 pandemic , the market bounced back and we built a lot of new and tailored lines for customers . We often added automation to these lines . The last three years have been very good for us , as has this year . Our order book will sustain us until the middle of next year . The challenge after that will be the last six months of next year . However , I believe that our turnover will be around 10 % higher this year than last year ,” he told ISMR .
He highlighted current uncertainty in some industry sectors , such as automotive , where political decision-making is not marching in step with industry and technological developments . This is delaying important projects and line developments .
“ Some politicians in Europe are not talking to industry or making the right decisions to enable the industry to move forward and technology to be developed for key industry sectors . It causes confusion : manufacturers need certainty before investing in new
A servo-press feeding line .
74 | ismr . net | ISMR November 2023