German special steel producer Lech-Stahlwerke (LSW) has issued the final acceptance certificate (FAC) to Primetals Technologies for an innovative scrap torch-cutting machine at its Meitingen plant. This new facility, which marks the latest advancement in scrap cutting, significantly reduces noise and eliminates dust emissions.
As the metals industry increasingly adopts green practices, the use of scrap in production is expected to grow. The World Steel Association projects annual scrap usage will reach 1,000 mln tons within a few years. This shift is driving steel producers to optimize their scrap management processes.
Traditionally, scrap cutting was outsourced, but in-house cutting offers several benefits, including streamlined scrap sorting, precise cutting for optimal furnace charging, and better control over scrap’s metallurgical properties, aiding in predicting end-product quality. Primetals Technologies’ solution also enhances workplace safety, a key factor in LSW’s investment decision. Operators control the machine remotely, supported by video surveillance and predefined cutting programs that simplify operation and reduce time.
The torch-cutting machine, developed by Torch-Cutting Technologies (TCT), a Spanish company acquired by Primetals Technologies in August 2023, handles various scrap types, including billets, rolled bar bundles, and tundish scull. The system effectively mitigates noise and dust emissions, allowing the cutting cabin to be housed within a hall, further reducing noise.
LSW produces over one mln tons of raw steel annually and has recycled over 40 mln tons of scrap since 1972. A key supplier to the automotive industry, LSW operates two electric arc furnaces at its Southern Germany site.
