London, July 27, 2017

Further order: Primetals Technologies to modernize block milling machine for AMAG rolling in Austria

• Plant to be equipped with new electrical, automation and safety equipment
• Standardized solutions to simplify maintenance and to increase availability and operational safety

AMAG rolling GmbH, an aluminum producer, has awarded Primetals Technologies an order to modernize the block milling machine at its Ranshofen plant in Austria. This involves renewing the electrical and automation equipment as well as replacing some components of the secondary plant equipment and adding some new ones. The safety equipment will also be brought up to the state of the art. The goals of the modernization are to simplify maintenance, increase availability and bring the safety equipment up to the requirements of the machine safety ordinance by using standardized solutions. The project is scheduled to be completed by the beginning of 2018. Primetals Technologies had already carried out modernization projects on the hot rolling mill of AMAG rolling in previous years.

The main components of the block milling machine at AMAG rolling in Ranshofen, Austria, are a block feed, transverse and longitudinal transport, a block measuring device, weighing systems, a milling machine and a chip baling press. The plant was constructed in the 1980s and has already been partially modernized. However, it still contains obsolete components, which makes optimal maintenance difficult due to problems with availability and spare part procurement.

Primetals Technologies will replace or add to the control system, switchgear, cables, sensor technology, switching and operating containers, hydraulic components as well as fences, cross-over platforms  and safety gate boxes, and bring them up to the state of the art. Using standardized solutions for the comprehensive modernization of the electrical systems and automation will significantly simplify maintenance. The modernization and extension of the safety equipment will create another benefit by simplifying the operation and maintenance of the plant thanks to safe operating conditions.

A standard, modular automation system with separate processors for process and safety functions will be employed. These will enable easy handling of the systems and user software. The approximately 1,000 peripheral signals will be linked to the central units through a common process field network. The signals will be coupled and decoupled by distributed I/O modules, which will be installed in control cabinets distributed throughout the plant. The process will be safely and reliably controlled by the operating personnel from thin-client operator stations.

The order also includes performing the risk analysis and carrying out the hardware and software engineering as well as the  manufacturing, documentation, system test, installation, training and commissioning. The implementation phase will last only ten months and will end at the beginning of 2018. The main components will be replaced during two main stoppages of minimal length.

AMAG rolling GmbH is a globally active producer of high quality, rolled aluminum products. The company belongs to the Austrian AMAG Group, one of the largest, premium suppliers of high-quality cast and rolled aluminum products, which are used in a very wide range of industries such as the aircraft, automotive, sports equipment, lighting, mechanical engineering, construction and packaging industries.

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 joint venture of Mitsubishi Heavy Industries and partners, with around 7,000 employees worldwide. To learn more about Primetals Technologies, visit the company website www.primetals.com.