USED LINE FOR PRODUCTION OF STEEL SHEET: CUT TO LENGTH LINE

# Understanding the Used Cut to Length Line for Steel Sheet Production: FIMI 1250 MM X 0.12/0.80 MM Precision and efficiency are paramount in steel sheet production. The **Used Cut to Length (CTL) Line 1250 MM X 0.12/0.80 MM**, originally manufactured by FIMI spa in 1982 and significantly revamped in 2008 and 2019 by SEI Sistemi, represents a robust solution for processing carbon and stainless steel coils. Featuring modern enhancements and essential **CE marking** certification, this line is engineered for reliability, accuracy, and safety in demanding industrial environments. This versatile CTL line efficiently handles materials from thin-gauge sheets (0.12 mm) up to thicker stock (0.80 mm), ensuring consistent output across various applications. Let's delve into its components, operational benefits, and why it remains a valuable asset for modern steel processing operations. *** ## 1. Why Is a Cut to Length Line Critical for Steel Sheet Production? High-quality steel sheet production hinges on achieving exact dimensions and uniform flatness. Industries like automotive manufacturing, construction, and appliance production cannot tolerate imperfections, which can lead to downstream inefficiencies, material waste, or even product failure. A **Cut to Length Line** is the essential equipment that addresses these needs. A CTL line precisely transforms large, heavy steel coils into flat sheets cut to specific, customized lengths. The **FIMI 1250 MM X 0.12/0.80 MM Cut to Length Line** excels in several key areas: * **Versatility:** Capable of processing a wide thickness range (0.12 to 0.80 mm) for both raw and annealed carbon and stainless steel. * **Customization:** Produces custom sheet sizes, ranging from minimum dimensions of 350 x 500 mm up to a maximum of 1250 x 2000 mm. * **Productivity:** Automates the cutting process, reducing manual handling, enhancing operational efficiency, and guaranteeing consistent, high-quality output. By integrating advanced features such as electronic touch-type thickness gauges and high-precision rotating shears, this CTL line delivers exceptional results that meet stringent industry standards.

*** ## 2. Key Features of the FIMI Cut to Length Line 1250 MM This line incorporates several features designed for optimal performance and flexibility in steel sheet processing. ### 2.1. Comprehensive Material Processing Capability The line is engineered to handle both **carbon steel** and **stainless steel**, accommodating raw or annealed materials. Its robust construction ensures durability, while the **uncoiler's substantial capacity of up to 16 tons** allows for efficient processing of large coils, minimizing downtime required for coil changes and boosting continuous operation. ### 2.2. Advanced Leveler Design for Precise Thickness Adjustments Optimal flatness is achieved using two interchangeable leveling benches, providing flexibility for different material thicknesses: * **Bench for 0.12 to 0.40 mm:** Tailored for thin-gauge steel, demanding high precision and careful handling. * **Bench for 0.40 to 0.80 mm:** Designed for thicker sheets, providing the necessary power and stability during the leveling process. This dual-bench system allows operators to quickly adapt the line to diverse project specifications without compromising quality. ### 2.3. Cutting-Edge Automation Components Automation is key to precision, safety, and efficiency. This CTL line integrates several automated features: * **Electronic touch-type thickness gauges:** Provide continuous, real-time measurement for quality control. * **Rotating shears:** Ensure clean, precise, and high-speed cutting with minimal burr. * **Motorized pinch-rolls and tape-centering devices:** Guarantee accurate strip alignment and controlled feeding throughout the line. These automated systems enhance overall productivity, significantly reduce the potential for human error, and minimize material wastage. *** ## 3. Exploring the Machine Components in the CTL Line The effective operation of the CTL line relies on a sequence of integrated machines, each performing a critical function in the steel sheet production process. ### 3.1. Coil Handling and Uncoiling Systems * **Storage Ramps for 2 Coils:** Facilitates efficient workflow by allowing staging of the next coil, ensuring minimal interruption between runs. * **Coil Loading Cradle:** Mechanically assists in safely and efficiently loading heavy coils onto the uncoiler mandrel. * **Unwinding Reel (Uncoiler):** Features Ø 400 and Ø 508 mm overhangs to accommodate various standard coil inner diameters, equipped with hydraulic expansion. ### 3.2. Strip Preparation and Leveling Systems * **Motorized Pinch-Roll at Leveling Entry:** Ensures smooth and controlled feeding of the steel strip into the leveling unit. * **Interchangeable Leveling Benches:** Provide the core straightening function, adaptable to different material thicknesses (as detailed in Key Features). * **Descent and Ascent Saddles:** Located in the loop pit area, these help manage the strip loop, maintaining proper tension and preventing damage before cutting. ### 3.3. Precision Cutting, Sorting, and Stacking * **Rotating Shear:** Performs the actual cutting operation, delivering accurate sheet lengths at high operational speeds. * **Swiveling Belts:** Automatically divert non-conforming strips or initial/final cut waste into designated collection boxes, improving quality control and streamlining waste management. * **Stacking System with Collection Boxes:** Organizes the accurately cut sheets into neat stacks (up to 4 boxes), preparing them for packaging or the next production stage. ### 3.4. Control and Power Systems * **Hydraulic Service Units:** Provide reliable power to operate major components like the uncoiler expansion, loading cradle, shears, and leveling adjustments. * **Electric and PLC Control Systems:** Centralized control pulpit allows operators comprehensive monitoring and management of the entire line, ensuring synchronized operation and safety interlocks (upgraded during revamping). *** ## 4. Why Choose This Revamped FIMI CTL Line? While many CTL lines exist, this specific FIMI unit offers compelling advantages due to its history and modernization: 1. **Proven Longevity Meets Modern Performance:** Originally built in 1982 with FIMI's robust engineering, its value is significantly enhanced by extensive revamping in 2008 and 2019, incorporating modern controls and components. 2. **CE Certification Assurance:** The 2019 update included achieving **CE marking**, confirming compliance with current European safety, health, and environmental protection standards – crucial for operational safety and regulatory adherence. 3. **Highly Customizable Output:** The line's ability to produce sheets from small (350 x 500 mm) to large formats (1250 x 2000 mm) offers significant flexibility to meet diverse customer demands. 4. **Integrated Safety Systems:** Modernized safety features, including electric bar barriers, photocells, and advanced PLC-based controls, provide enhanced operator protection and reliable operation. *** ## 5. The Importance of Revamping: Benefits of the 2008 & 2019 Upgrades The comprehensive revamping performed by SEI Sistemi in **2008 and 2019** transformed this CTL line. Understanding these upgrades highlights its current capabilities: ### 5.1. Enhanced Efficiency Through Modernization The revamping process replaced or upgraded key systems, turning the solid 1982 mechanical base into a highly efficient, modern production line. Key improvements included: * **New PLC (Programmable Logic Controller) Systems:** Enabled more precise automation, better diagnostics, and faster control adjustments. * **Modern Drives and Electrical Systems:** Improved energy efficiency, reliability, and control responsiveness compared to older components. * **Upgraded Software:** Provided enhanced operator interfaces, better process monitoring, and fine-tuning capabilities for optimal production parameters. ### 5.2. Compliance with Current Industry Standards Achieving **CE marking in 2019** was a critical outcome of the revamping. This certification signifies: * **Improved Operator Safety:** Adherence to rigorous safety regulations protects personnel. * **Potential for Enhanced Environmental Compliance:** Modern systems often operate more efficiently. * **Verified Performance:** Assurance that the line meets contemporary operational standards. ### 5.3. Extended Equipment Lifespan and Value Revamping breathed new life into the line's durable original structure by integrating modern, reliable components. This extends its operational lifespan significantly, offering a lower total cost of ownership compared to purchasing entirely new equipment, while ensuring it remains technologically competitive. *** ## 6. Real-World Applications of the FIMI CTL Line The adaptability of the FIMI 1250 MM CTL Line makes it highly suitable for various industrial sectors: ### 6.1. Automotive Industry The automotive sector demands high precision for steel sheets used in car body panels, chassis components, and structural parts. This CTL line delivers the consistent thickness, flatness, and clean cuts required for high-quality automotive manufacturing. ### 6.2. Construction Sector Construction utilizes steel sheets for roofing, cladding, structural framing, and ductwork. The line's ability to process different thicknesses of carbon and stainless steel makes it a versatile tool for producing construction materials. ### 6.3. Appliance Manufacturing Household appliances such as refrigerators, ovens, washing machines, and dryers require steel sheets that are both functional (durable) and aesthetically pleasing (flat, clean-cut). This line provides the precise dimensions needed to minimize waste and ensure seamless integration into appliance assembly lines. *** ## 7. Maintenance and Support Considerations To ensure the longevity and peak performance of an advanced system like the FIMI CTL Line, a structured maintenance approach is essential: ### 7.1. Scheduled Preventive Maintenance Regular inspections, lubrication, and servicing of critical components (e.g., hydraulic systems, gearboxes, rotating shear blades, leveler rolls) are crucial to prevent unexpected downtime and maintain accuracy. ### 7.2. Timely Replacement of Wear Components Components subject to wear, such as shear blades, pinch rolls, and leveler bearings, require monitoring and timely replacement with high-quality parts to maintain operational efficiency and product quality. ### 7.3. Utilizing Technical Documentation and Support The modernized system comes with updated technical manuals and schematics (part of the CE certification package). Operators benefit from comprehensive documentation, and access to technical support (potentially from the revamping company or specialists) is vital for troubleshooting and optimizing performance. *** ## 8. Context: Other Lines for Steel Sheet Processing While the **FIMI CTL Line 1250 MM X 0.12/0.80 MM** is a versatile workhorse, understanding other available processing lines provides context for different production needs: ### 8.1. Used CTL Line 2000 X 6 MM This type of line is designed for processing significantly wider (up to 2000 mm) and thicker (up to 6 mm) steel sheets, typically used in heavy construction, shipbuilding, or structural steel fabrication. ### 8.2. Used Slitter Line for Stainless Steel 1550 X 4 MM A slitter line, unlike a CTL line, cuts a wide coil into multiple narrower strips simultaneously. This example focuses on stainless steel up to 1550 mm wide and 4 mm thick, often used for producing strips for tubing, profiles, or smaller stamped parts. ### 8.3. Used Satin Sheet Line 2000 X Up to 10 MM This specialized line focuses on applying a satin (brushed) finish to steel sheets, often used for architectural or decorative purposes. It typically handles wider and sometimes thicker materials, potentially incorporating brushing units alongside leveling and cutting. *** ## 9. Conclusion The **Used FIMI Cut to Length Line 1250 MM X 0.12/0.80 MM**, enhanced through significant revamping in 2008 and 2019, offers a powerful combination of proven FIMI durability and modern processing technology. Its capacity to handle a diverse range of materials (carbon and stainless steel, 0.12-0.80 mm thickness), deliver precise custom sheet sizes, and operate under current CE safety standards makes it a highly valuable asset for numerous industries. For businesses involved in automotive supply, construction materials, or appliance manufacturing, this revamped CTL line provides unmatched flexibility, efficiency, and reliability. Its modernization ensures it remains a competitive and future-proof investment, capable of optimizing steel sheet production operations for years to come.