Advanced Coil Packing Automation for Hyundai Steel
In 2016, an agreement was reached to supply a fully automatic coil packing line and a standalone through-eye wrapping machine to Hyundai Steel Company's Suncheon mill in South Korea. Operational since May 2018, these systems are designed to serve both new Continuous Galvanizing Lines (CGL) and Recoiling Lines (RCL), as well as existing production lines.
The key innovation of this delivery is the state-of-the-art automation level, particularly the world's first fully automated packing material change. This feature dramatically changes operational requirements; a traditional automated line needs four to six operators, whereas this new system requires only one supervisor to oversee operations and replenish material magazines.
Efficient and Environmentally Conscious Packing Method
The new packing line introduces a change in packing methodology at the mill. It replaces the previous folded laminated VCI paper with environmentally friendly crepe paper and stretch film. These materials are applied using automated Through-Eye Wrapping (TEW) technology.
TEW technology is recognized for providing highly effective moisture protection. The selected packing materials are 100% recyclable, eliminating the need for chemicals in the packing process. This shift supports both product integrity and environmental sustainability.
Comprehensive Protection and Material Optimization
Beyond moisture protection, the system ensures robust mechanical protection. Inner, outer, and head protections, along with straps, are individually cut to size and applied automatically. This precise application minimizes material waste, leading to considerable annual savings for the mill.
The Suncheon mill has an annual capacity of 2 million tons of cold-rolled coils, primarily for the demanding automotive industry, but also for home appliances and construction. The sensitive nature and high value of these coils necessitate safe and durable packing, which the automated line is designed to guarantee for transport to both domestic and international customers.
System Components
The packing line is designed to handle heavy-duty packages with complete moisture and mechanical protection. Key components of the system include:
- 2-way coil car system for material flow.
- Profile control station for inspection.
- Plastic ID and OD corner protection application.
- Through-eye wrapping (TEW).
- Body wrapping with steel, plastic, and hardboard options.
- ID corner protection with steel.
- Robopack station for automated ID steel corner protection, headers, and hole protection.
- Inner ring protection with steel, plastic, and hardboard.
- Header manufacturing station for steel, plastic, and hardboard headers.
- Eye strapping and automatic OD steel corner protection.
- Narrow body protection station.
- Circumferential strapping.
- Labeling station for package identification.
This integrated system ensures that coils are securely and efficiently packed, meeting the high standards required for delivery to diverse industrial customers worldwide.
