Caster Robot Takes its Place at Gerdau Plant
08/20/2024 - Gerdau’s Araçariguama plant in Brazil has installed a PolyCAST multitool robot on its caster, an upgrade that improves productivity and safety.
“From precision-controlled operations like opening the slidegate with an oxygen lance, to seamlessly placing the ladle shroud, the robot handles critical tasks with unparalleled accuracy. Moreover, its ability to automate temperature readings and sampling in the tundish and to distribute flux powder showcases the seamless integration of advanced technology into traditional processes,” BM Group Polytec, the robot’s builder, said in a statement.
Polytec South America chief executive officer Diego Soares said the project was both ambitious and challenging and required the collaboration of all team members.
“Although we already have references of this robot installed in other plants, the implementation of such a complex robotic island in a critical environment such as continuous casting, with limited space and hostile environment, is complex, time-consuming, and requires understanding,” Soares said.
“Polytec’s strength is to complete the project and deliver to the customer not only a working machine, but also an extra technological tool to improve operators’ work and productivity. We extend our heartfelt thanks to the dedicated teams who made this installation possible, from our engineering and operations departments to our partners.”