EMG has been the world's leading supplier in the metal industry for decades when it comes to reliable strip guiding systems in the various process steps. Inductive and optical solutions as well as systems based on radar technology for strip centre or strip edge control are used in this area.
For metal service centres and processors, EMG’s product solutions are indispensable for controlled and reliable un-coiling and re-coiling of high-quality metal strips. In addition, there is a variety of applications where the strip position must be correctly determined to ensure trouble-free transport of the strip through the processing line. One example is strip guiding before a side trimmer, which has a direct influence on the material yield.
A strip guiding system always consists of three components: the sensor technology, the intelligent control and the actuator technology. In terms of actuator technology, EMG offers both hydraulic and electromechanical solutions.
The main challenges for metal service centres
The importance of strip guiding systems in service and processing centres for flat metal products is that they are crucial to the overall quality of the end product. Correct strip guiding ensures that the strip is processed correctly, resulting in higher quality products and fewer defects. In addition, strip guiding systems can help reducing downtime and increasing overall efficiency, which can have a positive impact on the service centre's bottom line. Some of the key challenges for strip guiding control systems in such centres include:
- The strip must show an optimum strip path throughout the processing line to avoid failures and ensure that the end product meets the required specifications.
- Strip guiding systems must help to provide uniform tension control throughout the process to avoid edge waves and other defects.
- The strip guiding control enables perfect unwinding and rewinding of the processed material to meet the end customer's specifications.
- Strip thickness and width can vary considerably over the coil and especially after a material change, making it difficult to maintain uniform processing conditions and position measurements. The strip guiding systems must be able to handle the range of dimensions of the processed materials easily and reliably.
- Strip guiding systems must be able to operate at high speeds while maintaining accuracy and reliability of control.
EMG's product portfolio reflects precisely these requirements for strip guiding systems.
Fundamentals
In general, determining the strip centre position - including controlling the strip position and movement - is the most important goal for all strip guiding solutions. Today, about 1500 strip guiding systems are installed and modernised by EMG per year. This can only be achieved through appropriate standardisation of the solutions, combined with a high degree of flexibility in the final design and the appropriate design knowledge, as well as the worldwide offer of the associated service for installation and maintenance.
Sensors and electronics
On the sensor side, the EMG portfolio includes a corresponding selection of optical and inductive sensor solutions in various accuracy classes that enable correct strip guiding in every process stage. On the electronics and software side, EMG supplies both the digital controller (EMG iCON®) and the automation software as well as the necessary industrial PCs and visualisation units.
Actuators
On the drive side, the customer can choose between classic hydraulic solutions with the EMG servo valve in various performance classes or the electric servo cylinders (EMG ESZ), which can be used as a replacement for complex hydraulic solutions.
Steering frames
This is where EMG's design know-how from thousands of applications comes into play. EMG designs the necessary frames for every application and installation situation. Optionally, EMG can also take over the manufacture and delivery of the desired steering frame.
Conclusion
EMG has established itself as the world's leading supplier in the metal industry for strip guiding systems and reliable strip guidance. The importance of strip guiding systems in service and processing centres for flat metal products is immense, as they have a significant influence on the overall quality of the end product. Correct strip guiding ensures optimal processing of the strip, resulting in higher quality products and fewer defects. In addition, strip guiding systems help to minimise downtime and increase overall efficiency. EMG offers a comprehensive product portfolio tailored precisely to these requirements. With around 1500 strip guiding systems delivered annually, the customer relies on EMG as the world's most experienced supplier in this environment and takes neither commercial nor technical risks.
Talk to us!
Please do not hesitate to contact our worldwide sales and service organisation via our contact page for any question regarding the use of EMG strip guiding systems!
White Paper - EMG Solutions for Metal Service Centres
In addition, the current White Paper “EMG Solutions for Metal Service Centres” is available to you free of charge under the following weblink. There you will find a detailed presentation of the EMG solutions for strip guiding and quality assurance systems with a view to the special requirements of metal service centres and processors.
EMG solutions for steel and aluminium service centres (elexis.group)
(Our newsletter subscribers have already received this white paper with the October 2023 issue.)