From left.: Michael Kittel (Aurubis Stolberg), Dr. Benjamin Cappi (Aurubis Stolberg), Dr. Oliver Thorsen (ML Lubrication), Reinhard Leithner (Ebner Industrieofenbau), Thomas Baral (Burghardt + Schmidt GmbH), Dr. Jan Lindemann (FA Walzen), Wolfgang Zuraszek (Aurubis Stolberg)

Participants of the expert committee meeting

Participants of the expert committee meeting

Dr Benjamin Cappi, Managing Director of Aurubis Stolberg GmbH & Co. KG, presented the plant in his welcoming address. Around 450 employees produce strip and wire products from copper alloys at the site. During the company presentation, Dr Cappi gave an impressive account of the rebuilding phase following the destruction caused by the flood in July 2002. Investments in two core areas alone, a new electric bell annealing line and a new stretch-bending line, amounted to EUR 16 million. The fact that natural gas is no longer used in the annealing plant represents a significant step towards reducing CO₂ emissions on the process side. Details of the two investment projects were given in the following presentations.

Mr Thomas Baral, Managing Director of Burghardt + Schmidt GmbH, explained the basics of stretch-bending straightening and the latest developments in his presentation "New technologies for stretch-bending straightening lines for thin materials made of copper, stainless steel and special alloys" and presented the newly installed stretch-bending straightening line at Aurubis Stolberg.

In his presentation "CO₂-neutral heat treatment in a modern HICON/H2 bell-type furnace", Mr Reinhard Leithner, Senior Sales Manager of EBNER Industrieofen GmbH, was able to show the latest trends in the field of heat treatment in bell-type furnaces, and in particular how electrically heated processes can be used to achieve CO₂-neutral production if the electricity comes from suitable renewable sources.

The next presentation focused on the oils used in our rolling processes. Dr. Oliver Thordsen, Managing Director of ML LUBRICATION GMBH, made the audience aware of the importance of the composition of these products in his presentation "Cold rolling oils for stainless steel and non-ferrous metals - proven products or new technologies" in order to ensure process-optimised use against the background of the wide range resulting from the combination of base oils and corresponding additives.

During the meeting, reference was made to the existing working groups on roll cladding, thermal process technology and flatness measurement and control. The chairmanship of the Thermal Process Technology Working Group is currently vacant. The working groups provide an opportunity to explore and discuss specific aspects in more depth.

During the conference there was an opportunity to learn more about the industry initiative "Women4Metals", which aims to increase the attractiveness of our industry for women.

After lunch all participants were able to gain a direct impression of the plant, its facilities and processes in smaller groups under the expert guidance of employees of Aurubis Stolberg GmbH & Co. KG staff to gain a direct impression of the plant, its facilities and processes, which provided a link to the presentations given in the morning.

A big thank you to all speakers, participants and above all to the team of our host Aurubis Stolberg GmbH & Co. KG, who all contributed to the success of this special event. Not to forget the very successful opening event on the previous evening, where the participants were invited by our host to "60 seconds to Napoli", where they could see for themselves how good thermal process technology can lead to culinary delights - the pizza is baked in the oven at 485°C in 60 seconds.

Dr. Jan Lindemann
Leiter Expert Committee Rolling