October 2021
October 2021 Severstal acquires intellectual rights to innovative rolled steel materials from Arcanum Alloys Severstal, one of the world’s largest vertically integrated steel and mining companies, announces the acquisition of more than 40 patents and patent applications from Arcanum Alloys Inc.
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n September 2019, Severstal became the lead investor in Arcanum Alloys’ most recent round of financing. Arcanum Alloys, an American company that develops and produces steel alloy diffusion technology, has developed a unique technology to develop a special alloy on a rolled surface. This technology enables the manufacturing of a wide range of products not only with improved characteristics, including high aesthetic and corrosion properties equivalent to stainless steel, but also with excellent formability and a lower cost profile. Such products are widely used in the automotive and construction industries, as well as in the production of household appliances. This technology offers promising opportunities to provide unique types of electrical steel for highly critical applications within electric vehicles, self-driving aerial vehicles and other fast-growing markets. Severstal plans to launch a pilot for the production of rolled products with diffusion alloying at the Cherepovets Steel Mill site by the end of 2021. Depending on the success
of the pilot, a decision will then be made on the volume and further scaling of production. Andrey Laptev, Director of Business Development and Corporate Venture Projects, commented: “The acquisition of intellectual rights from Arcanum Alloys for the use of breakthrough technologies in metallurgy is more than just a glimpse into the future. In the nearest future Severstal will be able to offer truly unique products that may interest customers from traditional industries, as well as fast-growing markets, such as electric vehicles. Most of the largest automobile manufacturers are already producing such vehicles, continuing to perfect their processes taking into account the newest technologies and increasingly consumer-conscious habits. This acquisition presents a unique opportunity for Severstal to begin delivering these unique products abroad. The patents we have acquired are registered in many countries across the world, and throughout Severstal’s key regions of Europe, Asia and North America.” George Gogolev, Head of Severstal
Ventures, commented: “Severstal’s venture capital activity has provided us with unprecedented access to a wide range of breakthrough technologies in recent years. Acquisition of the intellectual rights to these latest technologies, which use alternative methods to obtain unique steel grades, gives us a new opportunity to offer our customers innovative product solutions. In the coming months, we will launch a pilot production of rolled products with diffusion alloying at our flagship site in Cherepovets. During this industrial experiment, our regular and potential customers will be able to take part in it. The domestic market of the Russian Federation is a net importer of stainless steel, so the start of production of this type of rolled steel will be a new round in the development of Russian metallurgy.” Further information contact: Public Relations Anastasia Mishanina T: +7 (495) 926-77-66. E: anastasia.mishanina@severstal.com
October 2021
Automation-ready below-the-hook grab for steel, aluminum Airpes has led the collaborative design of a grab for handling steel or aluminum coils in semi- and fully-automated electric overhead traveling (EOT) crane applications.
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he automation-ready grab, which will typically be utilised to lift 25- to 60-ton coils, is a standard product but can be adapted to suit end users’ requirements. Currently, two 30-ton and two 25-ton grabs are in production, but numerous others are under offer. Compatible with any crane in the steel and aluminum sectors, it can be installed as a retrofit or part of a new-build. The system meets Crane Manufacturers Association of America (CMAA) duty classification D, E, or F. CMAA Class F, for example, covers continuous severe service cranes, capable of handling loads approaching rated capacity throughout their life. In semi-automatic applications, some features assist the operator but allow more manual control; fully-automated cranes, useful in demanding environments like metals, are programmed to repeat lifting process without manual input. Tad Dunville, general manager at Airpes Americas, said: “The automation system is like the brain, the hoist is the heart, and our grab is the hands. They act in concert to position the crane within millimeters of the load, engage the grab to the load, and carry it to a destination based on the work to be performed on the coil, the type of steel, and the size.
A specific hook and lower block package can be retrofitted to the existing crane or built new. “In the past it was often up to the crane builder to agree with the automation integrator and come up with a custom package for the end user. This model involved a lot of silos and throwing designs over the wall for rework. It was time consuming
and less repeatable. About a year ago, we were presented with a few potential projects and decided to collaborate.” One of these partners, Edgardo La Bruna, of Janus Automation, notes
October 2021 that the steel and aluminum handling marketplace has reached an automation tipping point, and he used the latest show, staged by the leading association body for mill cranes, as a barometer. He said: “It was the first show where an important portion of the activity was related to automation. The percentage of new crane installations that require automation is of course growing all the time, but we’re seeing more demand for retrofits—and requests for cranes to be able to be easily converted for more automation in future. The automation-ready grab is designed to be a standard product that meets most of the needs of any automated crane with easily serviceable components.” Dunville added: “The concept of automation-ready is here to stay. Below-the-hook equipment is a critical component in any semi- or fully-automated material handling system; problems in this area will dramatically impact a project or production process. Previously, there was no steel coil grab formally designed for automation applications—most were modified after delivery by the next person in the value chain. By realising that designing for automation and involving engineers from various stakeholders, we came up with something that presents a product that easily meets expectations and, importantly, cuts down significantly on re-engineering and modification by the integrators and crane builders.” The automation-ready grab can be adapted—to a rigid mast crane, a wire rope hoist, an existing crane, in various capacities and duty cycles—but users get the same package of components that ensure repeatability and serviceability. A specific hook and lower block
package can be retrofitted to the existing crane or built new. This contributes to stability, accuracy of positioning, and anti-sway design. Dunville said: “We can land a coil not just in a fixed point like a storage rack or a de-coiler, but also on a truck or railcar. That’s a big deal because trucks and railcars have different configurations, wheelbases, deck heights, and are positioned differently every time. We can account for that and still land the coil perfectly. The computer knows the most optimal path, never takes a smoke break, and never calls in sick.
“Safety is enhanced because it is now possible to completely process and ship a coil without touching it. Some of our customers have found that safety really pays. In other words, by eliminating hand contact with coils, they have literally stopped injuries to hands and fingers that were costing millions.” The automation-ready grab will be provided and serviced by Airpes’s existing channel partners and dealer representatives. Contact for editorial enquiries: Tad Dunville, tad@airpeslifting.com
October 2021
Severstal delivers 6 thousand tons of large-diameter pipes to Peru PAO Severstal has delivered 6,000 tons of large diameter pipes (LDP) to the Republic of Peru in South America.
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he LDP were produced at the Izhorsky Pipe Plant (ITZ, part of Severstal’s Russian Steel division), located at the Company’s industrial site in St. Petersburg’s Kolpinsky district. The pipes were manufactured according to the API 5L PSL 1. This was Severstal’s second shipment to Peru in 2021 following the delivery of a trial batch in Spring, bringing the total deliveries for this year to 6,000 tons. Severstal uses its own rolled metal to build the pipes, which is produced in mill 5000 of the Company’s sheet rolling shop, on the same industrial site as the ITZ. Once shipped from the port of St. Petersburg, the LDPs were delivered to South America to the port of Ilo in Peru.
Alexander Semenov, Sales Director for the Energy Sector at Severstal, commented: “Severstal has significantly expanded the sales geography of our exports for large-diameter pipes. We now cover Europe, Asia, North Africa, Middle East, and North America, and South America is becom-
ing a new target market. Our customers choose to work with us because of our ability to complete orders quickly and guarantee a high level of quality in our products, supported by our own steelmaking and rolling facilities. The tracking services we offer, which keep our customers updated on the
progress of production and delivery, provide an additional competitive advantage.” For further information please contact: Public Relations Anastasia Mishanina T: +7 (495) 926-77-66 anastasia.mishanina@severstal.com
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October 2021
Unison brings dramatically reduced lead times to Safran Landing Systems Gloucester-based Safran Landing Systems OE, has taken delivery of two new all-electric ‘Breeze’ CNC tube bending machines from Unison Ltd.
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he Unison Breeze machines (16 mm and 30 mm maximum tube diameter models) will be used to precision bend thin-wall section titanium tube for the manufacture of 3/8-inch (9.53 mm) to 3/4-inch (19 mm) diameter hydraulic brake and actuator pipes for commercial aircraft undercarriage systems, including those used on Airbus A320, A330 and A340 models. They replace two hydraulically operated tube bending machines that have been in use at Safran for a number of years. “Realising it was time to renew our tube bending capabilities, as part of our ongoing risk analysis activities - and necessitated by significantly increased manufacturing requirements - we approached a number of tube bending machinery manufacturers to discuss the various options available to us,” comments Safran Assembly Flow Line Manager, Jonathan Crewe. “Absolute non-negotiables were uncompromising repeatability and reliability, as well as the ability to produce right-first-time parts. Additionally, as a key manufacturer of aerospace components and operating within a ‘just in time’ supply chain, it was essential for us to know that should it ever be needed, onsite machine tool support would never be more than a few hours’ drive away.”
Existing customer visit To enable the Safran team to experience first-hand the capabilities of its all-electric range of Breeze tube bending machines, Unison Ltd arranged for them to visit an existing customer’s facility at Farnborough
and observe titanium tube being bent. On the strength of the visit and the testimony provided by that customer, trial parts were produced at Unison’s UK-based manufacturing centre, the order was subsequently placed, and master pipe samples 4
October 2021 were supplied to Unison Ltd in readiness for machine setup and sign off.
Excellent support “We benefited from excellent support and advice at every stage of the process,” adds Jonathan Crewe. “We were particularly impressed by the effort Unison put into training, ensuring that our operators were fully familiar with the Unibend operating system and could confidently bend thin-wall titanium components, all with precisely controlled levels of springback to compensate for the material’s high yield strength. Unison were also exceptionally flexible in working around our incredibly demanding production schedules. We have produced right-first-time components since day one with our new Unison Breeze machines, which our operators rate highly. Unison also fully understood our need for prompt support in the unlikely event of a breakdown – an essential requirement of our risk analysis strategy and a clear benefit of us buying from a UK-based company. “On a personal note, I am really impressed with the performance of our two new machines,” he continues,
“and, in particular, the opportunities the technology opens up for us to streamline our workflow from Design Engineering through to Production, with electronic translation of a CAD model into a bending program. This both dramatically reduces the lead time of new product development from around eight months to just three days and improves the accuracy of the finished pipe to the initial design intent. I am also grateful to the team at Unison for their timely and professional assistance through the industrialisation phase of the project.”
Intelligent tube manipulation Unison Breeze machines offer rapid setup, fast tooling changes, exceptional power, rigid mechanical design, and all-electric control for right-first-time repeatability. The Unison Breeze all-electric 16 mm and 30 mm tube bending machines purchased by Safran are well suited to manipulating exotic alloys such as titanium and Inconel, as used in the aviation industry and provide high-quality thin-wall bending. Multi-stack tooling allows the most complex of parts to be formed in one uninterrupted manufacturing cycle, while Unison’s bar
code scanning system ensures that only the correct tooling is used. Unison’s standard-fit rise and fall pressure die can result in significant savings in tooling costs and allows tools of very different radii to be used on a part within a cycle. Each tube bender can be programmed manually or from CAD data using industry-standard IGES or STEP files. “At Unison, we are often invited to advise customers across the aerospace industry on particularly challenging tube bending projects,” concludes Steve Haddrell. “That’s partly because of the immense capabilities offered by our all-electric Breeze tube bending machines. It was an honour to be chosen to supply Safran with two machines – and to be recognised for the exceptional levels of service that are associated with the Unison name.” For more information, contact: Steve Haddrell – Key Account Manager, Unison Ltd T: +44(0) 1723 582 868 E: sales@unisonltd.com For more press information, please contact: Newsdesk E: news@unisonltd.com
Unison Ltd: intelligent tube technology Established in 1973, Unison Ltd is the UK’s leading manufacturer of tube and pipe bending machines, offering the largest range of all-electric benders for diameters from 4 mm (5/32”) to 275 mm (10” schedule pipe). With a reputation for building highly powerful, highly robust machines that deliver uncompromising levels of accuracy and repeatability, Unison Ltd continually innovates the tube and pipe bending marketplace. The company manufactured the world’s first all-electric tube bender in 1994, followed by the world’s first all-electric multi-stack tube bender, then the world’s largest all-electric tube bender for the shipbuilding industry. Available in single-stack, multi-stack and right/left varieties, Unison machines are delivered to more than 20 countries globally. Unison’s tube bending software is recognised as the most user-friendly control system for tube bending machines. The software is written and supported by Unison, ensuring complete control of its evolution, with no need for third party support.
www.unisonltd.com
October 2021
Caldwell expands Bystronic laser fleet
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he Caldwell Group has added a second Bystronic laser machine to its steel service center. The BySmart cutting system was installed last month (August) alongside a smaller BySpeed unit, as the manufacturer of lifting and rigging equipment continues to invest in stateof-the-art, Swiss-made sheet lasers, tube lasers, and press breaks. Both machines can cut up to 60in. by 120-in. plate. The existing BySpeed machine can cut up to 3/4in. and can only work with mild steel, while the newer BySmart can cut up to 1-in. and can also work with stainless steel, aluminum, and copper. The technology starts the manufacturing process for pretty much all of Caldwell’s iconic range. The main operator has five years of relevant experience on the existing cutter, but comprehensive training on the BySmart took place over two weeks. Thaddeus Grzeskowiak, plant manager at Caldwell, said: “This is a major part of our business. When we only had one cutter, when it went
down or was being maintained, it became a real Achilles heel. Previously, we would cut what we could on the older laser and anything over 3/4-in. would be flame-cut and machined internally.” The pair of Bystronic laser machines play a role in every product the company offers—from its tea-cup concrete pipe carriers to its spreader and lifting beams. They are operated by a single full-time operator and two others that step in from elsewhere on the production line, as demand rises. Programming, meanwhile, is split between manufacturing and engineering divisions—and the operator of the machine in use. Grzeskowiak said: “We used to run the old laser by itself first shift, second shift, and weekend shift—over 100 hours per week. That is a lot for a laser. Now that we have two, we are predominantly only running on the first shift, completing longer runs overnight. And, if needed, we will have a second shift or weekend shift complete a long run. Impor-
The Bystronic BySmart cutting system was installed in August. tantly, we can let workers focus on their machines and work centers, instead of having to help aid the laser.” The machines can accept automation upgrades, but Grzeskowiak acknowledged that further cutting technology might be required in the future. However, he anticipates that the older unit will probably be utilized for the duration of its service life, eventually to be replaced by a larger, higher-tech product. He added: “We are looking to automate more of our repeat stock work that has jammed up our production line for years, allowing us to keep our people working on special engineered products to service our customers on both ends of our business. For example, we added a robotic welding cell in 2019 and are on the verge of our second machine being delivered. Using this robot, the amount of time needed to weld a boom head has been decreased by 75%.”
October 2021
Boost stability and tool life with optimised solid end mills
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n its continued effort to provide the most cost-effective tooling solutions available, Seco Tools has announced a new family of flexible, highly productive solid end mills, the Seco JSE510 series. Redesigned to offer the rigidity, chip control and tool life to achieve the lowest possible costs per meter machined in steels, stainless steels, cast iron, titanium and some aluminums, these solid end mills provide exceptional process reliability across a broad application range.
New design combines reliability and unparalleled versatility The reoptimized design of the new JSE510 offers unparalleled versatility based on the previous version of this product range. The new series targets general engineering, contract manufacturers and job shops, as well as the aerospace, medical and automotive industries. The de-
sign is reoptimised to stand up to tough milling applications with a versatile carbide grade, advanced polished SIRA coatings and a strong, sharp cutting edge. To extend tool life further, these tools offer vibration-damping variable pitch design and optimised helix. “These solid end mills offer productivity in less-stable machining conditions or when pushed hard to balance productivity and tool life cost effectively,” said Rob Mulders, Solid End Mills Global Product Manager. “This versatility makes the JSE510 series particularly useful when shops face increased costs in required tooling because of a greater variety of applications and materials. For these shops, the new tool series’ expanded application window allows them to reduce their tooling inventory without affecting their ability to maximize throughput.”
Multiple tools, geometries and lengths The Seco JSE510 family includes 216 tools in four geometries, with two length variants in the three and four- flute version, normal (LV2) and long (LV3). The twoflute JSE512 easily handles the large chips produced in helical interpolation or peck drilling, keyways and slotting applications, while the three-flute JSE513 offers universal milling performance for ramping, full slotting and side milling. The four-flute JSE514 is ideal for optimized side milling and slotting, as well as dynamic milling. Finally, the ball-nose end mill geometry of the JSB512 offers the flexibility required for finishing parts and other ball-nose applications. For additional information about the features and performance of the new Seco JSE510 series, visit the Seco solid end mills product page.
October 2021
Measures Rebar like Never Before Even at highest rolling speeds
High Tech light section measurement
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October 2021
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NSK SWR spherical roller bearings overcome challenges of continuous casting
he bearings used in continuous casting machines have to endure arduous operating conditions that include high temperatures, heavy loads, ultra-low speeds, water/ water vapour and scale. As a result, bearing failures such as wear, flaking and fracture are commonplace, prompting increasing numbers of steel manufacturing plants to adopt NSK SWR (Super Wear Resistant) spherical roller bearings. These advanced bearings provide several times more wear resistance, flaking life and outer ring toughness than standard counterparts made from AISI 52100 bearing steel. Among those enjoying the benefits of the NSK SWR
NSK SWR roller bearings and housings on an axle from a continuous casting machine series is an international steel manufacturing plant that was previously experiencing regular bearing failures in a continuous casting machine. The machine produces steel slabs, a process involving
the application of heavy loads that were compromising the life of standard bearings due to wear and fatigue. Indeed, the average life of the machine’s bearings was just 40-50 weeks.
Typical flaking and fracture in the outer ring raceway of a spherical roller bearing from a continuous casting machine
In order to extend bearing life and reduce maintenance costs, the plant requested the assistance of NSK’s expert engineers, who duly commenced a full application review. The experienced team noticed that the failure modes were consistent with others seen in continuous casting machines featuring standard spherical roller bearings. NSK’s bearing condition report contained a recommendation to adopt SWR series spherical roller bearings, which take advantage of a specially developed steel with far higher wear and fatigue resistance. Proven in continuous casting applications since 2001, the wear resistance of SWR bearings
October 2021 is three times that of AISI 52100 bearing steel, while both flaking life and outer ring toughness are five times greater. Furthermore, NSK SWR bearings can replace standard SRB bearings in continuous casting machines without modifying the axle, and work effectively with or without seals. Notably, minimised outer-ring friction helps to extend bearing life. This factor is important as friction due to differential sliding can promote uneven wear, flaking and fracture, which together constitute around 80% of defects found in the outer ring of spherical roller bearings at steel manufacturing plants. For the customer, NSK suggested commencing a durability trial with SWR spherical roller bearings. Such was its success that the bearings delivered
Common failure mechanisms of spherical roller bearings used in machinery and equipment at steel manufacturing plants 60% longer operating life, leading to impressive annual savings of €140,000. This total arrives from the elimination of both down-
time due to bearing failures and labour costs for bearing replacement. Results of this magnitude are easily achievable in continuous casting machines, where standard spherical roller bearings are simply not robust enough to withstand the harsh operating conditions. In these applications, NSK’s team of experts can help identify the source of the issue and recommend a solution based on its proven SWR series.
Spherical roller bearings of the NSK SWR series provide several times more wear resistance than standard counterparts
As a further point of note, maintenance engineers and technicians tasked with troubleshooting ma-
chinery or equipment featuring rolling bearings can take advantage of NSK’s Bearing Doctor app. This effective tool provides information about correct bearing handling, mounting, lubrication and maintenance to prevent premature failure. The app also includes many images and sound clips to help users diagnose bearing damage and possible causes. Further information about NSK’s series of SWR spherical roller bearings is available at: www.nskeurope.com/en/ nsk-innovative-products/ swr-spherical-roller-bearings
October 2021
Low Cost Weld Purging with Weld Purge Plugs™
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eld Purging smaller tubes and pipes of different diameters can be challenging, especially when budgets are tight. Often, Welders are left to create their own homemade purging dams out of unsuitable materials such as foam, paper or cardboard. Huntingdon Fusion Techniques HFT ® have designed and developed clinically clean, white Nylon Weld Purge Plugs ™, providing a great barrier for weld purging at a very low cost. Luke Keane, Technical Sales Manager for HFT® said: “For welding nickel and titanium alloys and stainless steel tubes and pipe joints as well as stubs, elbows and tees, Weld Purge Plugs™ are a perfect product to seal all holes and orifices for quality internal weld purging. They can also be used for weld purging small or odd diameter pipes where conventional inline pipe purging systems may not be practical.”
Weld Purge Plugs™ are made from engineering quality nylon up to 6” (152 mm) diameter and will not seize up, rust or corrode. A friction-reducing washer inserted between the top plate and wing nut provides easy expansion and release. The low cost, lightweight Weld Purge Plugs™ are also available in readymade Weld Purging and Orbital Welding Kits containing the most common sizes of Purge Plugs™ used. Each kit has a strong robust ABS
plastic case, with custom foam inlays for storage and quick location of the plugs where needed. Huntingdon Fusion Techniques HFT® also design and manufacture a Range of Tandem Weld Purging Systems in sizes 1” to 88”, producing oxide free welds time after time. The Tandem Systems isolate a small volume either side of the weld to reduce inert gas costs and to bring the weld purging time down to a fraction of what it might take using other kinds of dams and unsuitable materials. Huntingdon Fusion Techniques HFT® have a worldwide Exclusive Distributor network, which can be found at www.huntingdonfusion.com. For further information, contact: Michaela Hess, Marketing and Social Media Manager Huntingdon Fusion Techniques HFT® Press: michaelahess@huntingdonfusion.com Sales:support@huntingdonfusion.com www.huntingdonfusion.com
October 2021
Tenaris and Sandvik Materials Technology extend long-standing alliance with renewal of five-year agreement
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enaris and longtime business partner Sandvik are extending their nearly 20-year alliance with the signing of a new five-year agreement for the supply of OCTG with premium connections and specialty steel alloys, including CRAs, to serve the oil and gas market. The renewed agreement combines Sandvik’s expertise in material technology and the development of corrosion-resistant steel alloys with Tenaris’s excellence in the manufacture of high-quality, high-performing OCTG and premium connections with Dopeless® technology. “Our strategic alliance facilitates closer cooperation on future innovations targeting the most demanding applications in the market. Together we will be unmatched in the industry allowing us to develop and offer unique solutions for the most challenging operational environments faced by our customers,” said Goran Bjorkman President Sandvik Materials Technology. Tenaris Chairman & CEO Paolo Rocca visited Sandvik Materials Technologies headquarters in Sandviken, Sweden, ahead of the signing of the agreement, which marks two decades of collaboration between the companies.
“We continue to draw from our combined strengths in R&D and manufacturing to offer customers differentiated solutions, unmatched in the industry today,” said Rocca. “And, as the sector pivots with a greater focus on low-carbon solutions, we are best-positioned and have the knowhow to execute projects for the energy transition such as carbon capture and storage, geothermal and gas production - segments that require advanced materials and product technologies that maximize performance while reducing environmental impact.”
The strategic partnership between Tenaris and Sandvik started in 2003 to add value to the oil and gas industry through joint research, product development, and the manufacture of specialized tubular solutions for demanding applications. For more information about Tenaris, please follow us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Instagram. Media inquiries Ruth Clay Email: ruth.clay@sandvik.com Tel: +1 (832) 683 5673
October 2021
Brighouse welded mesh manufacturer puts in resilient performance Despite Covid disruption which saw production halted during the first lockdown, Siddall and Hilton Products, has once again put in a strong financial performance
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iddall and Hilton Products, the Brighouse-based welded steel mesh products manufacturer, has once again put in a strong financial performance with turnover only dropping slightly for the year ending 31 March 2021. In the first full financial year since its MBO in 2019, Siddall and Hilton Products achieved turnover of £17.3m, compared with £18.2m the previous year - a fall of under 5%. The company estimates that the impact of the pandemic accounted for around £2.5m in lost revenue. However, thanks to the positive attitude, resilience and determination of staff this did not impact on the profits reported by the firm. Continued investment in equipment and process improvements through the pandemic helped the company to consolidate and build upon production efficiency gains and process scrap reductions achieved in the pri-
or year, resulting in a significant uplift in pre-tax profits which rose by 64.7% from £1.4m to £2.3m. Siddall and Hilton Products also reported that much improved working capital management through investment in its ERP system had resulted in greater control over inventory levels, strengthened operational cash flows and reduced borrowing costs by 46%. 2020-21 was another transformational year for the business as it marked its largest investment in more than 12 years with the addition of a fifth specialist welding machine at its Brighouse site. With a value of £2m, the new EVG LGR-102 runs over 40% faster than the existing machines and produces up to 70% less scrap. Over the last 12 months, the 126-yearold company, which processes over 1,500 tonnes of wire a month and is the UK’s largest manufacturer of industrial welded steel mesh for
Ian Thurley (left), chief executive of Siddall & Hilton Products, with Sir Roger Marsh OBE DL, Chair of the Leeds City Region Enterprise Partnership and NP1
high-security fencing, general fencing and industrial mesh panels, has also grown its workforce. The team has increased by almost 25% to 59 people, including the recruitment of nine new trainee mesh operators and two apprentices with a further three currently being sought. Chief executive Ian Thurley said: “Over the last two years, we’ve made tremendous progress in setting solid foundations for future growth. Last year was another busy time for us, which, despite the challenges saw the business continue to put in a sound financial performance as we further improved operating efficiencies. As one of the largest employers in Brighouse, we have worked hard to ensure our loyal workforce shares in our success by bolstering employee engagement, recruitment and implementing new training initiatives. “We are tremendously proud of the major investment we have made into a fifth state-of-the-art welding machine which is a key step as we move towards our ambitious target of becoming a world class mesh manufacturer. As one of the area’s longest-established manufacturers, it is a real privilegeto be at the helm during this exciting time, as we drive the business forward in pursuit of our goals.” For further press information, please contact: Susan Reid on (01423) 56 99 99 or susan@appealpr.com
October 2021
ABB technology to improve quality and lower production costs for Tata Steel plant in India ABB will provide electromagnetic brake systems for 2 compact strip production (CSP) casters at Tata Steel’s plant in Jamshedpur, India, working under contract from SMS Group.
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amshedpur, located in the eastern state of Jharkhand, is India’s first planned industrial city and was established following the founding of Tata Iron and Steel Company by Jamsetji Tata and his son Dorabji Tata in the 1900s. ABB’s scope of supply also includes DCS800 DC drives, dry type transformers, water cooling systems, commissioning services and metallurgical performance evaluation. ABB is contracted through SMS
which specialises in plant construction and mechanical engineering for the steel and nonferrous metals industry. The contract builds on ABB’s large installed base with premier steel producers globally. ABB electromagnetic brake systems (EMBR) is installed on 40 percent of thin slab casting strands worldwide and allows for higher quality and faster throughput. This well-established technology, invented by ABB in 1985, enables steelmakers
to achieve steel cleanliness similar to conventional vertical bending casters, improves casting speed and increases mold copper plate lifetime. By generating a static magnetic field, which decreases meniscus metal flow speed and turbulence, the ABB EMBR provides a whole range of metallurgical improvements including elimination of mold powder entrapments, a more even molten mold powder layer and a meniscus which is flatter, hotter and less turbulent.
October 2021 “The project at Tata Steel in Jamshedpur is a key order for ABB,” said Raghu Badrinathan, Area Sales Manager – ABB Metallurgy. “It builds on our large installed base with premier steel producers around the world.”
netic stirring solutions for slab casting here: Electromagnetic stirring and braking devices for slab casting - Metallurgy Products (ABB Metallurgy Products)
“Tata Steel is a highly-valued customer for ABB and it is our continuous endeavor to provide the bestin-class technology and solutions to them,” said Vipul Gautam, Group Vice President, Global Account Executive for Tata Group, ABB. “We believe that our metallurgy solutions and particularly the ABB EMBR solution will help them to achieve superior performance of their casters in minimum time, lowering their cost of production while improving quality.”
ABB (ABBN: SIX Swiss Ex) is a leading global technology company that energizes the transformation of society and industry to achieve a more productive, sustainable future. By connecting software to its electrification, robotics, automation and motion portfolio, ABB pushes the boundaries of technology to drive performance to new levels. With a history of excellence stretching back more than 130 years, ABB’s success is driven by about 105,000 talented employees in over 100 countries. www.abb.com
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ABB’s Process Automation business is a leader in automation, electri-
fication and digitalization for the process and hybrid industries. We serve our customers with a broad portfolio of products, systems, and end-to-end solutions, including our #1 distributed control system, software, and lifecycle services, industry-specific products as well as measurement and analytics, marine and turbocharging offerings. As the global #2 in the market, we build on our deep domain expertise, diverse team and global footprint, and are dedicated to helping our customers increase competitiveness, improve their return on investment and run safe, smart, and sustainable operations. For more information contact: Media Relations Chris Brand Phone: +44 (0)7523 919978 Email: chris.g.brand@gb.abb.com
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