Primetals Technologies has received a contract from Toyo Kohan for the modernisation of its pickling line at its Kudamatsu plant in Japan.
The project will upgrade coil handling with new entry-side transport equipment, replace existing pickling tanks with polypropylene ones, and install an advanced laser welding machine (LBW).
It is hoped these additions will help boost efficiency, reliability and maintenance, with features such as the polypropylene tanks removing the need for multi-material tank structures.
The LBW system combines laser cutting and welding, using proprietary technology to process steel sheets up to 9mm thick. Primetals highlighted that by using laser cutting instead of traditional shear blades, the system eliminates reaction forces, ensuring greater precision. This will be the first implementation of the LBW solution in Japan.
Toyo Kohan employs about 1,500 people and manufactures tinplate, sheet metal, and other materials. Their products are used in various industries such as can materials, electronic components, and household appliances.
Completion of the modernisation project is planned for 2028.
