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NEW WRAPPING TECHNOLOGY FROM PESMEL FOR THE WORLD'S LARGEST STAINLESS PLANT

Fig 1 - High Resolution download - Click Here

A new automated sheet-packing line, designed in co-operation with the customer by Pesmel Oy of FI-61800 Kauhajoki, has been installed at Outokumpu Stainless' new integrated cold rolling mill in Tornio, Finland, the world's largest, most modern stainless steel plant with a future capacity of 1.65 million tpa on continuous 5-shift operation.

The new 700-metre-long, fully-integrated, highly automated cold rolling plant, or RAP line (rolling, annealing and pickling), will increase output to 1 200 000 tonnes of finished product, 750 000 tonnes of which being cold rolled material. It also enables Outokumpu Stainless to produce a new intermediate rolled sheet that is ideal for applications such as welded tube.

Six automated wrapping lines

The partnership between Outokumpu Stainless and Pesmel covers 6 automated wrapping lines; five Pesmel coil-wrapping lines are already operational at Tornio. This sixth line, which uses new wrapping technology, is for stainless steel sheet. Sheets are first wrapped in plastic film after which a robotized unit applies a protective wooden cover before the bundles are strapped and transferred to despatch or high-bay storage.

Sheet sizes of 660 -1600 mm wide x 1220 - 6100 mm long are packed in bundles, with a maximum height of 170 mm and maximum weight of 5000 kg, which are handled at a speed of 50 packages/h - see photo.

A demanding project

The new system has been on trial for a year. According to Mauri Kvist, Section Manager at Outokumpu Stainless : "The new line is operating to the satisfaction of both the company and the mill staff. It was a demanding product development project for which a new packaging technique had to be created. Pesmel have proved to be reliable partners and turnkey suppliers. Production is now higher and we have reduced labour costs significantly"

Environmental and safety advantages

In addition to increasing efficiency and competitiveness, automation is important because customers want to see a modern plant, where production flow is fast and reliable, yet safe and environmentally friendly.

Formerly, the sharp-edged steel sheets were manually packed, which may introduce serious safety risks and is not ergonomic for large volumes. Now, only special products are packed manually. Furthermore, plastic and wood have replaced fibreglass-reinforced packaging paper which was difficult to recycle.

Further information from:
PESMEL OY
Jussilantie 2
FI-61800 Kauhajoki
Finland
Tel: +358 6 2341 111
Fax +358 6 2341 200
www.pesmel.com

PESMEL AB

Hjälmstavägen 2A
S-18641 Vallentuna
SWEDEN
Tel Int.+46-8-5118 6250
Fax Int.+46-8-5118 6255
awa.scandinavia@swipnet.se


PESMEL AB
Exportgatan 47 B
S-42246 Hisingsbacka
SWEDEN
Tel. Int. +46-31-52 16 70
Fax Int. +46-31-52 16 70
tor.lorentzen@pesmel.com


PESMEL ESTONIA AS
Segu 4
EE-76505 Saue
ESTONIA
Tel Int.+372-674 7330
Fax Int. +372-674 7331
pesmel@pesmel.ee
www.pesmel.ee


PESMEL GMBH
Mainzer Landstrasse 16
D-60325 Frankfurt am Main
GERMANY
Tel Int. +49-69-9716 8148
Fax Int. +49-69-9716 8200
juhani.aittola@pesmel.com


PESMEL NORTH AMERICA
P O Box 289
Ashland, MA 01721
USA
Tel Int. +1-508 231 8011
Fax Int. +1-508 231 4647
sales.usa@pesmel.com


PESMEL UK
Millhouse Farm
Flockton WF4 4AG
England,
U.K.
Tel Int. +44-1924 848 399
Fax Int. +44-1924 840 807
jukka.tamminen@pesmel.com

Photo caption: After automatic wrapping in plastic film and the application of a protective wooden cover, the sheet bundles are strapped ready for despatch or high-bay storage.