Primetals Technologies and Nakata Complete Cutoff Saw Upgrade at Major U.S. Tubular Products Supplier

• Primetals Technologies designed, installed, and will provide maintenance services for the new solution
• Upgrade increases safety, efficiency, and operational lifetime of a Nakata flying cutoff machine
• Project completed on time and to U.S. standards

Primetals Technologies and Nakata Mfg. have successfully completed the automation and drives system upgrade for a 12-inch Nakata flying cutoff machine at a major tubular products supplier in the southeastern United States. The project included design, installation, and commissioning of a new solution featuring an advanced Siemens programmable logic controller (PLC) with safety functions and drives. This upgrade enables the plant to operate the machine more safely and efficiently while increasing its operational lifetime.

The new solution, developed by Nakata Mfg., features user-friendly flexible programming and enhanced machine safety. The PLC safety functionality includes the application of access control devices on safety gates around the machine perimeter, and the implementation of functional safety via the PROFIsafe protocol over the PROFINET communication network with Siemens Sinamics drives.

Nakata’s automation also utilizes edge computing, allowing each application to run on a virtualized system that can be seamlessly migrated to any other platform. This approach also allows easier access for support compared to traditional server/client applications. As an additional benefit, edge computing provides a framework for future system expansion, including cloud computing, data analytics, and artificial intelligence.

Through a cooperation agreement, Nakata supplied the proprietary information required to engineer the new system, while Primetals Technologies contributed local expertise to ensure the engineering and equipment met U.S. standards. Primetals Technologies will also provide ongoing maintenance service support from its nearby location in Alpharetta, Georgia. The project was completed as scheduled with the machine returning to successful operation and production.

“Maintaining obsolete control systems is a huge challenge in the metals industry. Fortunately, we have years of experience servicing process equipment in the industry. We also have a long-standing partnership with Nakata. Together, these advantages provided the machine and process know-how required for a successful equipment upgrade.” - Luis Illan, Technical Sales Director, Primetals Technologies

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.