Developed through a collaboration between Primetals Technologies and robotic automation specialist Polytec, TrimRob fully automates the cutting of wire rod coil heads and tails as well as sample collection on the production line.
Robotic system replaces manual operations
In conventional wire rod production, cutting the head and tail of coils and collecting samples are carried out manually by two to four operators per shift using cutting equipment. Wire rod coils, produced approximately every minute at temperatures exceeding 1,000°C, create a challenging and high-risk working environment.
Equipped with an advanced vision system and specially designed robotic cutting equipment, TrimRob can count wire rod loops and detect tangles and overlapping coils. The system performs cutting and sampling operations automatically without human intervention.
Ravindra Goyal, Head of Process at Primetals Technologies USA, stated that robotic technologies are becoming increasingly important in the steel industry, saying, "With TrimRob, Hyundai Steel can significantly reduce the risk of repetitive strain injuries while enabling employees to focus on higher value-added tasks."
Suitable for 5.5–20 mm wire rod production
Final acceptance tests conducted at the Dangjin facility confirmed that the system met the targeted performance criteria in terms of cycle time repeatability and operational efficiency.
TrimRob can process wire rods ranging from 5.5 mm to 20 mm in diameter across various grades and strength classes. The system cuts the required number of samples precisely and, when necessary to meet metallurgical requirements, cuts only one additional loop. It never cuts fewer samples than specified.
Primetals Technologies stated that, in addition to improving workplace safety, the robotic system will enhance product quality consistency and contribute to the operational efficiency of the wire rod production line.
Comments
No comment yet.