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De-strapping – steel coil strapping – automated labelling
Deep in the west. Strapping on a production line for thyssenkrupp.
For the electrical steel production at thyssenkrupp’s Bochum plant, we developed and delivered an efficient strapping process in around 10 months, which integrates seamlessly into the overall annealing line designed by our partner SMS. It also meets the highest standards of operational and fastening safety.
Annealing and Insulation Line (AIL) at thyssenkrupp Bochum
How do you package high-precision, finished coils weighing several tonnes in such a way that the process integrates seamlessly into the overall production flow? We tackled this challenge together with our partner SMS at thyssenkrupp in Bochum, where high-quality electrical steel coils are produced in the strip finishing department.
Integration into a highly complex production line
The AIL at thyssenkrupp is a state-of-the-art annealing and insulation line for the production of electrical steel. Before the coils can undergo the finishing process, the first step involves removing the old strapping – a task that requires the utmost safety and precision. After processing, the finished material is rewound, re-strapped and labelled with individual labels.
Precision, power and automation at the highest level
Together with the renowned plant engineering company SMS, TITAN has developed a plant for this specific requirement in which the TITAN de-strapping solution fits perfectly into the layout designed by SMS. Within it, an efficient de-strapper, a high-performance strapping machine and a fully automatic labelling robot work hand in hand. The result: highly efficient strapping that meets the highest safety standards and provides the framework for the actual annealing process. With optimal routing, well-thought-out cabling and maximum user-friendliness.
The strap needs to come off – safe strap removal
Before the coils can be processed at thyssenkrupp, the existing strapping must be removed. The TITAN De-Strapper performs this task fully automatically, reliably and safely removing steel straps of various widths and thicknesses. Cutting residues are discharged in a controlled manner to ensure maximum safety – a crucial factor in a production environment where even the smallest foreign particles can cause problems. Optimal protection for both people and machinery.
Heavy Duty. Heavy Team: A case for our special squad.
At the heart of the TITAN strapping solution for thyssenkrupp lies the strapping machine, in which the rewound coils are securely fastened for onward transport. The choice of strapping head is dictated by the heavy weight of the coils and the high level of fastening safety they require. That is why some of the strongest members of the TITAN team have to step up as a squad:
- VS12-LE-HD strapping head: Specifically designed for heavy steel coils, this electrically powered strapping head uses the TITANARG® TIG welding process to create side seals. The electric servo drive ensures the highest level of reproducible precision in the strapping process and lays the foundation for digital connectivity. The integrated, fully automatic TITAN ARG 500 dispenser holds up to 500 kg of steel straps on a coil, thereby continuously supplying the strapping machine with the necessary feed at optimum process speed.
- TITANARG® welding joint: The integrated TITANARG® welding unit incorporates TIG welding directly into the strapping machine and, with two high-strength welding spots, ensures the strongest welding joint currently available. Heavy-duty for heavy coils. A TITAN patent.
- TITAN MEGABAND®: The choice of strapping also plays a decisive role in the stability of the strapping. That is why only TITAN MEGABAND® was considered here – the giant among TITAN steel straps. Thanks to its special heat treatment, it achieves an exceptional combination of enormous strength and high elongation of 12%. The rounded edges typical of TITAN offer additional protection for people and materials and ensure maximum safety during the work process. With dimensions of 19 x 0.63 mm, it performs its task brilliantly in the thyssenkrupp plant.
Automated labelling for maximum traceability
It is not only in thyssenkrupp’s production process that each coil has completely different specifications and intended uses, yet looks identical. A missing, faulty or lost label renders a coil – and thus a significant amount of material value within the large inventory – virtually invisible. That is why, in the strapping system for thyssenkrupp, a TITAN labelling robot ensures that everything is in order, whilst operating as efficiently and flexibly as possible.
- Direct connection to the control system: All relevant production data is retrieved from the higher-level control system and printed onto the respective label in real time.
- Flexible coding: A printer integrated into the solution can flexibly generate barcodes as well as QR and RFID codes – and prints the required label individually on demand.
- High-precision application: The robot gripper uses vacuum suction to pick up the label and place it precisely on the coil. This ensures that the label adheres perfectly without coming loose, yet can still be removed without leaving any residue.
The plant in Bochum has been operational since summer 2024 – and the feedback from thyssenkrupp speaks for itself: the next TITAN strapping machines have already been ordered. We are delighted and would like to say thank you for the excellent collaboration.
A well-thought-out concept for smooth operation
At TITAN Engineering, our experts handled every detail of the complex plant layout for the thyssenkrupp facility. In doing so, they kept a close eye not only on the technical aspects but also on all aspects of logistics:
- Layout & cabling: The entire strapping solution integrates seamlessly into the existing infrastructure at thyssenkrupp Bochum. To achieve this, we optimised operator walkways, planned foundations and cable routes, and took access points for maintenance work into account.
- Usability & ergonomics: Control panels, safety zones and operator perspectives were worked out in detail to ensure intuitive operation and rapid response times.
- Environmental factors & operating conditions: The temperature and humidity conditions in the Bochum production hall also play a role. To accommodate these, particularly robust machinery was employed.
Our work continues even after delivery: experts from the TITAN team were on site in Bochum to oversee the commissioning, trained the operators at thyssenkrupp, and worked with the customer to develop a bespoke spare parts and service plan. That’s the TITAN Way.
Would you like to find out more about the options available for your strapping?
Then please feel free to get in touch. Book an appointment with your personal TITAN Solution Team. Our experts will ask all the right questions and develop a tailor-made strapping solution for you.
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