New competence center established in Linz: Siemens VAI Metals Technologies further extends its mechatronics portfolio

Effective August 1, 2011, Siemens VAI Metals Technologies has established a new global competence center for mechatronic solutions in Linz, Austria. “The proven benefit of new mechatronics solutions is to combine electronic and mechanic innovations for higher equipment availability, increased productivity, and lower production and processing costs. This will support steelmakers to remain competitive and thrive in the market,” said Werner Auer, CEO of Siemens VAI. The new unit “Mechatronics” will be headed by Werner Obermann and Thomas Pfatschbacher.

A precondition for the successful start-up of the “Mechatronics” business unit of Siemens VAI is the integration of about 60 employees, who, up until now, have developed mechatronic solutions for vatron gmbh, a joint venture company of voestalpine Stahl GmbH and Siemens VAI. The integration of personnel as well as important product solutions from vatron will enhance the portfolio of advanced products offered to steelmakers for improved productivity and product quality, and underlines the strategy of Siemens VAI to further expand its competence in the field of mechatronics.

Mechatronic solutions, which are the combination and installation of mechanical, electronic and software systems, are a core element of advanced industrial plants today. They include, for example, process control and simulation systems, operational- and product-measuring devices, and process-monitoring systems. The Siemens VAI product portfolio already encompasses a wide range of mechatronic solutions that have been installed predominantly in company-supplied electric and oxygen steelmaking plants and continuous casting machines on a worldwide basis. Vatron products and systems are already in operation in hundreds of metallurgical plants supplied by Siemens VAI.

Application examples in steelmaking and continuous casting plants include: arcos (Arc Control Optimizing System), an advanced electrode-control system for AC electric arc furnaces; Lomas (Low-Maintenance Analyzing System), which continuously analyses LD (BOF) converter offgas to provide real-time dynamic control of the entire steelmaking process; and MoldExpert for the acquisition and evaluation of mold-related data to prevent strand breakouts in the mold area. In the rolling and processing sectors, product examples include the edge.mon strip-edge-inspection system, and galva.sim, a hot-dip galvanizing simulator.

Further information about solutions for steel works, rolling mills and processing lines can be found at http://www.siemens.com/metals

A photo supplements this press. Please see: http://www.industry.siemens.com/data/presse/pics/IIS201108371.jpg

(Lomas continuously analyses LD (BOF) converter offgas)

The Siemens Industry Sector (Erlangen, Germany) is the worldwide leading supplier of environmentally friendly production, transportation, building and lighting technologies. With integrated automation technologies and comprehensive industry-specific solutions, Siemens increases the productivity, efficiency and flexibility of its customers in the fields of industry and infrastructure. The Sector consists of six divisions: Building Technologies, Drive Technologies, Industry Automation, Industry Solutions, Mobility and Osram. With around 204,000 employees worldwide (September 30), Siemens Industry achieved in fiscal year 2010 total sales of approximately €34.9 billion. www.siemens.com/industry

The Siemens Industry Solutions Division (Erlangen, Germany) is one of the world's leading solution and service providers for industrial and infrastructure facilities comprising the business activities of Siemens VAI Metals Technologies, Water Technologies and Industrial Technologies. Activities include engineering and installation, operation and service for the entire life cycle. A wide-ranging portfolio of environmental solutions helps industrial companies to use energy, water and equipment efficiently, reduce emissions and comply with environmental guidelines. With around 29,000 employees worldwide (September 30), Siemens Industry Solutions posted sales of €6.0 billion in fiscal year 2010. www.siemens.com/industry-solutions

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