ISMR October 2024 | Page 18

INDUSTRY NEWS

Rosso Steel invests in laser blanking line

Czech steel service centre , Rosso Steel has ordered a laser blanking line from Schuler . The LBL 2.21 ( for body panels ) will be installed at Rosse Steel ’ s Zaječí site and is the first Schuler laser blanking line in the Czech Republic .
The new line can handle coil weights of up to 30 tons , strip widths from 400mm to 2,150mm and strip thicknesses from 0.6mm to 3.0mm at a maximum strip speed of 60m / minute . The laser blanking line also has two laser cutting heads , each with a rated output of 4kW , and operates at a maximum cutting speed of 100m / minute .
“ Blanking lines with lasers are particularly suitable for production processes with frequent product changes . The system can be used to produce both outer skin blanks and structural parts in high product quality . It is precisely these flexible production conditions that are in demand at Rosso Steel ,” explained Schuler .
“ The laser blanking line also offers optimum material utilisation , which ensures costeffectiveness and efficiency . This is achieved by , among other things , optimised nesting on the material web , the elimination of separating strips between the blanks , the combination of different parts on the material web and the positioning of the blanks at different angles ,” it continued .
Rosso Steel is one of the largest family-owned
Dynamic laser heads cut the contour “ on-the-fly ”. companies in the
Czech Republic . Its two service centres in Zaječí and Mirošov are equipped with modern , partially automated technology . Ultra-high-strength materials of up to 1,200MPa are processed .
The company has been operating for over 33 years , purchasing , processing and selling an extensive portfolio of different flat steel products . Every year , up to 180,000 tons of steel coil , strip and sheet are supplied to over 80 regular customers in Central and Eastern Europe . Its focus is on the automotive sector , but the products are also used in the building industry , metal construction and electrical engineering .
Czech steel service centre , Rosso Steel , has ordered an LBL 2.21 laser blanking line ( for body panels ) from Schuler .
“ As the laser blanking line eliminates dierelated downtimes or increased changeover times , and the system usually only stops briefly when a coil is changed , this technology usually has a higher OEE ( Overall Equipment Effectiveness ) than a conventional cutting system . Production of the new system is scheduled to start at the beginning of November 2025 ,” Schuler confirmed .
Schuler will be presenting its forming solutions on stand G82 in Hall 27 at the EuroBLECH trade fair in Hanover , Germany , from 22-25 October 2024 . n
www
. rosso . cz / en /
www . schulergroup . com

Industry 4.0 drives industrial automation

The increasing adoption of Industry-4.0 principles is serving as a significant driving force for the global industrial automation market . Industry 4.0 , also acknowledged as the fourth industrial revolution , emphasizes the integration of digital technologies with traditional manufacturing processes to enhance efficiency , productivity and flexibility .
One of the key components of industry 4.0 is the implementation of advanced automation solutions , such as robotics , advanced sensors and cloud computing , across various industries . These technologies allow seamless communication and collaboration between machines , systems and humans , leading to streamlined operations and improved decision-making processes .
Data Bridge Market Research expects the global industrial automation market to reach a value of US $ 339.44 billion by 2031 from US $ 181.85 billion in 2023 , growing at a CAGR of 8.3 % during the forecast period of 2024 to 2031 .
“ The global industrial automation
Image : Shutterstock . com . market is experiencing a significant surge in demand , primarily driven by the need for reliable and efficient manufacturing processes . Automation technologies have become increasingly sophisticated , offering manufacturers the ability to streamline operations , improve productivity and reduce costs . One of the key driving factors behind this trend is the growing demand for automation solutions that can address the challenges of modern manufacturing such as the need for precision , flexibility and scalability ,” said the analyst .
“ In today ’ s highly competitive business landscape , manufacturers are under pressure to improve their efficiency and productivity while maintaining high standards of quality . Automation technologies offer a solution by automating repetitive tasks , optimising workflows and minimizing the risk of errors . This not only leads to higher output and better-quality products but also allows companies to allocate resources more effectively , leading to cost savings and improved profitability ,” it continued .
“ Asia-Pacific is expected to be the dominant and fastest growing region in the industrial automation market due to its rapidly expanding manufacturing sector , technological advances and increasing adoption of automation solutions . This dominance is further fuelled by government initiatives promoting Industry 4.0 , fostering a conducive environment for automation adoption across various sectors , solidifying Asia- READ Pacific ’ s position as a key player in the global industrial automation
REPORT landscape ,” it concluded . n
18 | ismr . net | ISMR October 2024