Under the scope of the project, the coil handling system will be upgraded, the pickling tanks will be replaced with polypropylene tanks, and an advanced laser beam welding (LBW) machine will be integrated into the line.
With the modernization, new entry side handling equipment will enable fully automated transfer of coils from the yard to the line. This upgrade is expected to significantly improve in line logistics efficiency. Replacing the existing pickling tanks with polypropylene tanks will eliminate the need for multi material structures, simplifying maintenance processes.
The project also includes the installation of an advanced LBW machine equipped with Primetals Technologies’ latest laser cutting head and spatter free welding head. Scheduled for completion in 2028, the investment will mark the first application of this laser welding solution in Japan.
The new LBW system combines laser cutting and welding in a single process, allowing the processing of steel strip with thicknesses of up to 9.0 millimeters. Using laser cutting instead of conventional mechanical shear blades eliminates reaction forces while ensuring high precision and weld quality. The removal of blade replacement and gap adjustment requirements also helps reduce maintenance costs.
Thanks to a newly developed optical design, the LBW system can perform welding at high speeds with minimal spatter. This feature offers a significant advantage in terms of reliability and operational efficiency compared with conventional fiber laser welding technologies.
Founded in 1934, Toyo Kohan employs around 1,500 people and produces tinplate, sheet metal, various surface treated steel products, and functional materials. The company’s products are widely used across multiple sectors, including packaging, electronic components, and home appliances.
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