Cronimet continues electric changeover

Stainless steel specialist Cronimet has taken on another electrically powered material handler at its Karlsruhe base with the delivery of a EXP 5020ZE from Italian manufacturer Solmec.

The group has a commitment to the net zero target by 2050 and this is the second of its nine material handlers in Karlsruhe to go electric. Altogether, they process around 140 000 tonnes of steel scrap and other alloyed scrap every year. The company also joined the Science Based Targets initiative in 2023.

‘I am pleased that we are driving forward the electrification of the machine fleet with the new material handler at the site of the largest subsidiary of the Cronimet Group,’ says Marijo Zeljko, ceo of European locations. ‘We are currently planning to replace the old diesel-powered material handlers with new, environmentally friendly models at all our European sites.’

Marco Merico, who is responsible within Team Technics for technical consulting in the procurement of Cronimet’s machines, says they are relying on Solmec’s innovative and robust technology. ‘It can be used cable-free, completely flexibly, and is characterised by high reliability.’

Two batteries

The Solmec EXP 5020ZE can operate in sorting mode for up to ten hours before its battery needs to be replaced. It has a 40kW electric motor with a rotation speed of 2 300 rpm and a maximum rotation torque of 300 Nm.

There are two lead-acid battery packs of 930A at 120V each, which can be exchanged for others if necessary, meaning the machine can work through without major delays. Approximately 30 tonnes of CO2 can be saved per year compared to using a diesel-powered machine.

Battery packs are charged at two external chargers, each of which is fitted with a 63A CEE plug system that can be connected to conventional power sockets. An energy recovery system increases operating time by recovering energy through brake regeneration.

The machine has a system to support the passive loads of the machine. It consists of the hydraulic cylinders directly connected to a hydro-pneumatic accumulator that guarantees additional hydraulic power and speed.

Cronimet Holding Group was founded in 1980 and has more than 1 600 employees at 68 locations worldwide.