- Primetals Technologies to modernize Toyo Kohan’s pickling line with advanced coil handling and laser welding solutions
- Upgrades will improve efficiency, reliability, and maintenance
- First adoption of new type of laser welding machine
- Completion scheduled for 2028
Primetals Technologies has received a contract from Toyo Kohan Co., Ltd, a Japanese steel producer, to modernize a pickling line at its Kudamatsu plant. The project will upgrade coil handling with new entry-side transport equipment, replace existing pickling tanks with polypropylene tanks, and install an advanced laser welding machine (LBW).
Improved Efficiency
The new entry-side equipment will automate coil transport from the coil yard to the process line, greatly improving handling efficiency. Switching to polypropylene tanks will simplify maintenance by removing the need for multi-material tank structures. The upgraded LBW will feature Primetals Technologies’ latest laser cutting head and a spatter-free welding head, with project completion planned for 2028. This will be the first implementation of the LBW solution in Japan.
High-Quality Laser Welding
The LBW system combines laser cutting and welding, using proprietary technology to process steel sheets up to 9.0 millimeters thick, expanding product capabilities. By using laser cutting instead of traditional shear blades, the system eliminates reaction forces, ensuring the precision needed for high-quality laser welding. Maintenance is also improved by removing the need for regular blade replacement and clearance adjustments.
A newly developed optical design allows the LBW to weld at high speeds with minimal spatter, increasing both reliability and productivity compared to conventional fiber laser welding.
Founded in 1934, Toyo Kohan employs about 1,500 people and manufactures tinplate, sheet metal, various surface-treated steel sheets, and other functional materials. The products are used in various industries such as can materials, electronical components, and household appliances.
The advanced laser welding machine (LBW) to be applied in the pickling line modernization. Shown here is an identical implementation to the one for Toyo Kohan.
The LBW ensures the precision required for high-quality laser welding.
Primetals Technologies, Limited, headquartered in London, United Kingdom, is a pioneer and world leader in the fields of engineering, plant building, and the provision of lifecycle services for the metals industry. The company offers a complete technology, product, and services portfolio that includes integrated electrics and automation, digitalization, and environmental solutions. This covers every step of the iron and steel production chain—from the raw materials to the finished product—and includes the latest rolling solutions for the nonferrous metals sector. Primetals Technologies is a Group Company of Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, with around 7,000 employees worldwide. To learn more about Primetals Technologies, visit the company website www.primetals.com.
