STAHL+TECHNIK

Steel production / Plant engineering

GREEN STEEL: Utilization of waste heat: a means to climate neutrality for the steel industry
The main advantages of heat recovery in steel production are lower operating costs and higher efficiency, cost-effective emission reduction, and strong economic arguments. Following the successful commissioning of two ECOSTAT heat exchangers at ArcelorMittal's Dabrowa Górnicza steelworks in Poland, waste heat from the blast furnace is now being used to preheat the heating gas and combustion air for the blast furnace. This helps to reduce coke consumption and thus CO2 emissions, save costs, and improve results.

 

Hot processes, cool control: Digital process monitoring in the steel industry
Accidents involving molten metal and the resulting fires demonstrate time and again that in complex high-temperature environments such as the steel industry, it is necessary to keep a close eye on every step of the process chain in order to prevent safety risks to people and equipment and to produce competitively and to a high standard of quality. Digital process monitoring is a suitable tool for this purpose. It intelligently networks visual and thermographic components, enabling detailed observation of the entire production plant in real time. This enables steel manufacturers to control each individual production area precisely and automatically – from the sintering plant to the blast furnace and converter to continuous casting and the rolling mill.

 

Optimized quality control in the hot rolling mill at SDI Butler
By integrating surcon's 2D surface inspection system, American steel manufacturer SDI Butler has succeeded in reducing customer complaints while achieving greater process efficiency. In this interview, Butler's quality expert Robert Beck explains the original expectations for the system, describes his practical experiences as the person responsible, and gives specific examples of the added value that the solution offers in everyday production.

 

Stahl Gerlafingen increases production output following modernization of wire rolling mill
The coil winder at the Stahl Gerlafingen rolling mill caused several problems: strong vibrations led to unplanned downtime, poor alignment of the front end, and uneven winding of the coils. To eliminate these problems, the company invested in a latest-generation coil winder. Since then, the coils have been laid more evenly. Costly production downtimes are a thing of the past, and shorter maintenance times further improve capacity utilization.

 

Steel processing and distribution

Perforated sheet metal design for maximum performance on mobile heavy-duty cranes
High lifting capacities, a long telescopic boom, and worldwide mobility—these are the hallmarks of Liebherr's LTM 1110-5.1 mobile heavy-duty crane. As a supplier to the automotive and commercial vehicle industry, SCHÄFER Perforated Sheets has collaborated with the crane manufacturer to develop a protective plate that covers the front of the air filter on the diesel engine and also serves as a maintenance access point. Weight also plays a decisive role, even on a small scale. The air filter protective plates, manufactured in Neunkirchen, North Rhine-Westphalia, are delivered to the Liebherr plant in Ehingen ready for installation and use on a just-in-time basis.

 

Accelerating digital manufacturing and integrating artificial intelligence
Siemens and TRUMPF are partnering to combine Siemens' digital expertise and Xcelerator portfolio with TRUMPF's manufacturing and software excellence. The collaboration will solve critical challenges in system integration in modern manufacturing through open and interoperable interfaces. Virtual development and standardized interfaces enable faster time to market, resulting in significant efficiency gains for customers.

 

HÜTTENTAG 2025 – STEEL INDUSTRY MEETING

The steel industry at a turning point The ongoing recession in the German economy, new challenges on international markets, and persistently high energy prices are pushing companies in the basic industries to their limits. Years of declining demand from steel-processing sectors have led to price pressure and overcapacity in the steel industry. How can companies adapt to this challenging economic environment? How can digitalization, artificial intelligence, and other innovations help to reverse the trend? Is the green transformation still achievable? These questions will be the focus of HÜTTENTAG 2025 on November 13 in Essen. Participants can look forward to exciting keynotes from renowned industry experts: Kerstin Maria Rippel, Managing Director of the German Steel Association, Stefan Erdmann, Chief Technology Officer of the international stainless steel group Outokumpu, and Till Schreiter, Chairman of the Board of the VDMA Metallurgy Association and Managing Director of ABP Induction, will discuss the topics together.