Emotron drives exceed expectations in harsh environment

When South East Asian aluminium factory Press Metal decided to increase performance, they began by installing Emotron drives in the cranes used for handling large containers. These have been working well since 2011. A key success factor is that CG Drives also delivered a service package, including training, maintenance and spare parts, in order to help keep the factory up and running 24/7.

Fast growing aluminium producer

Press Metal of Bintulu, Malaysia, was started in 1986 as a privately owned local aluminium extruder. It has since grown into a globally integrated aluminium corporation. With a smelting capacity of 440,000 tonnes and an extrusion capacity of 190,000 tonnes per annum, Press Metal is the largest integrated aluminium producer in South East Asia.

Challenging conditions

Press Metal needed drives for twelve cranes used for handling large containers of aluminium in the factory. Their operating environment is extremely harsh due to high temperatures, aluminium dust, hydrogen fluoride and, not least, the powerful magnetic field from the induction ovens used to melt the aluminium.

A durable solution and training

Press Metal needed to replace its existing drives with a more durable solution. They also wanted the package to include training so that inexperienced local personnel could learn to service and maintain the installation.

CG Drives solution delivers results

CG Drives used their experience in similar applications to recommend and install five Emotron VFX AC drives (7.5, 15, 18.5, 45 and 75 kw) for each of the twelve cranes in 2011. Featuring metal housings and IP54 coated boards, these drives have been delivering consistent performance and high uptime ever since. And their service lifetime has gone beyond Press Metal’s expectations.

Training, maintenance and spare parts

CG Drives also provided the required local training and involved local personnel in commissioning. Press Metal also benefits from CG Drives’ commitment to maintaining the availability of spare parts and an experienced 24/7 helpdesk.

Next up?

Looking towards the future, the customer is now considering retrofitting a further eight cranes in another Press Metal factory – also to be supplied by CG Drives.

In brief

Customer Press Metal, Bintulu, Malaysia
Challenge Reliable, easily maintained drives with a long life in harsh conditions
Solution Emotron VFX AC drives (7.5, 15, 18.5, 45 and 75 kw) for each of 12 cranes

Benefits

  • Improved uptime
  • Longer than expected lifetime
  • Trained local personnel
  • 24/7 helpdesk