INDUSTRY NEWS
FABTECH 2023 in focus
FABTECH 2023 , North America ’ s largest metalforming , fabricating , welding and finishing event , has announced its comprehensive conference programme focusing on the latest trends impacting the metal fabrication industry . Held at Chicago ’ s McCormick Place ( 11-14 September 2023 ), the event includes an exhibition ( 1,300 + suppliers ), workshops and sessions that explore advanced automation ; additive manufacturing ; digitalisation ; connectivity ; sustainability and more .
Four key trends that will be covered in depth at FABTECH 2023 include digitalisation , skilled labour shortages , automation / robotics and sustainability .
“ The metalworking industry is undergoing a profound transformation with the widespread adoption of digital technologies . Innovations such as 3D printing and digital twins are revolutionising traditional production methods . Moreover , the
integration of artificial intelligence ( AI ) and machine learning ( ML ) is enabling companies to optimise manufacturing processes , resulting in faster and more efficient product design and production . These advances are poised to reshape the industry landscape and drive unprecedented levels of speed and efficiency ,” said the show organiser .
“ Metal forming , fabricating and welding processes are experiencing a significant shift with the increasing integration of automation and robotics . Robots are assuming responsibilities for repetitive , hazardous and precise tasks , resulting in notable advancements in industry efficiency , quality and safety . While automation has already gained considerable traction , there is a growing emphasis on collaborative robots , known as cobots , that can operate alongside human workers . This promising trend not only addresses labour shortages but also introduces greater workplace flexibility ,
FABTECH 2022 .
enabling a harmonious synergy between human expertise and robotic capabilities . As a result , the industry is poised to unlock new levels of productivity and adaptability in the years to come ,” it added .
FABTECH ’ s event partners are the Fabricators & Manufacturers Association International ( FMA ); SME ; the Precision Metalforming Association ( PMA ); the American Welding Society ( AWS ) and the Chemical Coaters Association International ( CCAI ). n
www . fabtechexpo . com
Sustainability MoU for low-emissions steel
ArcelorMittal , a leading steel and mining company , and Snop , a major Tier-One European automotive supplier , have signed a sustainability-focused Memorandum of Understanding ( MoU ) at Snop ’ s headquarters in Villepinte , France . The agreement also includes a commitment to trial the use of high strength , low carbon-emissions steel in structural car parts .
Snop develops and manufactures Body-In- White stampings and assemblies , complex assemblies , Class A surface parts and rollformed parts . It is a division of the Groupe Financière Snop Dunois ( Groupe FSD ), a privately owned major automotive supplier with relationships to all European OEMs .
The MoU seeks to strengthen the two companies ’ cooperation on environmental sustainability , specifically through the use of XCarb ® solutions that contribute to the decarbonisation of the automotive sector . XCarb ® is the name under which all ArcelorMittal ’ s low-carbon emissions products and all decarbonisation initiatives are grouped .
The MoU includes an agreement to trial the use of Usibor ®, a high-strength steel , made using ArcelorMittal ’ s XCarb ® recycled and renewably produced steel . More broadly , the MoU covers the supply and purchase of other XCarb ® solutions , including XCarb ® green steel certificates .
“ Usibor ® manufactured with XCarb ® recycled and renewably produced substrate , typically has a CO₂ footprint that is almost 70 % lower compared to conventionally
Left to right : Yves Koeberle , CEO , ArcelorMittal Europe – Flat Products and Michel Henri Pinaire , President of Groupe FSD .
produced steel . High-strength structural car parts , used in the frame of a vehicle , have already been manufactured by the Snop and ArcelorMittal teams , with the first tests of the parts underway ,” confirmed metals specialist , ArcelorMittal .
Speaking at the ceremony , Pierre Mainguy , Snop ’ s purchasing director , commented : “ We are delighted to have signed this agreement with ArcelorMittal , a major and strategic supplier within our ecosystem . As steel represents 96 % of CO₂ emissions linked to Snop ’ s purchases , this agreement goes beyond reinforcing our longstanding partnership with ArcelorMittal and is an important step towards achieving our goal of reducing our supply chain
emissions ( scope 3 ) by 30 % by 2030 as well as reaching net zero by 2050 .
“ Moving forward , we will be contributing to the reduction of vehicle carbon emissions , a major environmental challenge , while maintaining the high levels of quality needed to satisfy our customers ,” he continued .
ArcelorMittal Europe has a target to reduce CO₂ emissions by 35 % by 2030 , and to reach carbon neutrality by 2050 . XCarb ® recycled and renewably produced for flat products has been in production at ArcelorMittal ’ s Sestao plant since 2022 and is made via the Electric Arc Furnace route using high levels of scrap steel and 100 % renewable electricity for steelmaking . n
ISMR September 2023 | ismr . net | 17