An AI-powered image processing robot attaches fully automated labels with tying wires to bar steel bundles without using any welding process

Danieli Automation, in collaboration with Green Project, has successfully installed its pioneering Q-Robot ROLL BUNDLE TAG (Hook) sys­tem for Georgsmarienhütte GmbH (GMH), an electric steelmaker at Georgsmarienhütte, Germany.

This innovative solution attaches labels directly onto the tying wire of bundles by hooking them, eliminat­ing the need for welding. The hook forming process is executed directly on the robot head, without additional auxiliary stations. This optimizes the installation area, reducing both main­tenance and operating expenses. Achieving a 98% performance rate with subsequent Final Acceptance Certificate, the system ensures reli­able bundle labelling.

An AI-based vision system continu­ously monitors the process, recogniz­ing correctly inserted labels and allow­ing real-time intervention if needed. The certainty of correct tag applica­tion removes the need for human supervision, ensuring full traceability and preventing unmarked bundles from leaving the line. This autonomy significantly reduces operational costs, supporting an expected ROI in just six months. Additionally, with guaranteed tag attachment the customer now applies only one tag instead of two, optimizing OpEx costs.

The solution, currently under patent protection, al­so optimizes hook size cycle-by-cycle based on the tying wire’s position and geometry, further reducing material consumption.
This breakthrough marks the first, and unique, robot system of its kind, de­veloped under a joint venture between Danieli and GMH. The success at GMH paves the way for additional installations on other finishing lines, reinforcing the strategic partnership between the two companies.

With its unmatched reliability, Danieli Automation continues to lead the in­dustry with smart, cost-effective, and sustainable innovations that set new benchmarks in robotic solution. 

Danieli walking-beam furnace in operation at Stahlwerk Annahütte

The billet reheating furnace at Stahlwerk Annahütte Max Aicher plant in Ainring-Hammerau, Germany, has been granted final acceptance.

Supplied by Danieli Centro Combustion, the new 80 tph reheating furnace exceeded the required performance parameters. It delivers perfectly heated billets with precise temperature uniformity, further improving the quality of the rolled products.
The plant ensures economical and environmentally friendly operation; energy consumption and CO₂ emissions have been reduced, and NOx emissions minimized to the lowest possible levels.
Patented, hydrogen-ready Danieli HydroMab burners have proven their performance efficiency.
The scope of supply also included the complete furnace power distribution and automation systems, intuitive human-machine interfaces, and L1 and L2 process controls with mathematical models for further optimization of the reheating process.
The installation was completed with upstream and downstream material handling systems, hydraulic systems and advanced combustion technologies, including combustion-air preheating and the exhaust system.
“With the commissioning of our new furnace we reached another milestone in increasing the efficiency and sustainability of our production of high-quality special steel bars” Ingo Glane Technical Director of Stahlwerk Annahütte claimed.

SHS Stahl Holding Saar orders cranes for two meltshops

SHS Stahl Holding Saar has selected Danieli Centro Cranes technology and equipment for efficient and reliable EAF operation at two meltshops in Germany.
The two, multifunction heavy-duty cranes will have a capacity of 350(590) and 350(620) tons, and will be installed at Saarstahl in Völklingen, and at Dillinger in Dillingen, respectively.
Just one crane will serve a whole meltshop for EAF scrap charging, ladle handling, molten steel transport, and EAF maintenance. They will also ensure safe handling of furnace components.
Designed according to demanding DIN EN1090 European standards, these four-girder cranes will incorporate cutting-edge automation, energy-efficient technology, and advanced safety features.
Initially operated manually, they will be equipped with functionalities for semi-automatic operation and remote control from a ground-based pulpit desk.
The two cranes will be designed and manufactured at the specialized Danieli Thailand manufacturing center, making use welding robots that ensure the highest quality standards.
Danieli cranes undergo comprehensive testing at Danieli facilities to guarantee reliability and performance, before shipment.
Cranes will be installed by Danieli and go into operation by September 2027 and April 2028, respectively.

At thyssenkrupp Steel Europe (TKSE), the modernization of four large plant complexes at the Bruckhausen site is beginning. On 20.11.2023, we from DANIELI Germany took part in the laying of the foundation stone for the “Strategy 2030” project in the presence of Mona Neubaur, NRW Minister of Economic Affairs. According to TKSE, it is investing around 800 million euros in the largest package as part of its “Strategy 2030”.

With this renewal, the steel group is strengthening its position in European competition and expanding its technology and quality leadership. Dr. Heike Denecke-Arnold, Chief Production Officer at thyssenkrupp Steel, speaks of a “strong signal to our customers”: “The new construction and conversion of our plants puts us in a position to optimally meet the changing needs of the market, for example the demand for lower tolerances, higher strength and optimized surfaces.”

A central focus of Strategy 20-30 is on high-quality steel grades that are required for efficient solutions in the areas of e-mobility, automotive construction and industrial applications. TKSE produces special steels here that are required for lightweight automotive construction and crash-relevant components. With these investments, the steel group is expanding and making its plant fleet more flexible and increasing its production capacities.

“In difficult times, thyssenkrupp is sending out an impressive signal for our industrial state,” praised NRW Minister of Economic Affairs Mona Neubaur (Greens). “New products for the energy transition and, in particular, electromobility of the highest quality made in NRW not only create a global competitive advantage, but also strengthen our location and secure good jobs,” emphasizes Neubaur.

DANIELI is responsible for the fully automated slab warehouse. Using real-time synchronization, it will take over the logistics of a total of 1.7 million tonnes of steel slabs per year from mid-2024 using “intelligent” control.

DANIELI Centro Combustion is also supplying two new, identical walking beam furnaces. In future, these will guide the slabs through the ovens by lifting them and heating them to 1250 degrees Celsius, thereby protecting the material. The walking beam furnaces are equipped with state-of-the-art recuperator technology for energy recovery, an optimized L2 control system and a furnace length designed to reduce exhaust gases to a minimum. All major components were tested at our research center in Savona for reduced emissions, specifically nitrogen oxides and_CO2. The same applies to our burners, which can be operated with hydrogen, i.e. are “H2-ready” and have already been successfully operated with 100 % hydrogen in our development center. This is the prerequisite for steel of the highest surface quality in the subsequent hot strip mill.