ABB launches new Low-Force System for ultra-thin metal strip applications

Aimed at processes producing ultra-thin metals including aluminum, copper and steel foils, the new Stressometer Low-Force Flatness System combines high accuracy with a robust design and a low total cost of ownership. 

Fitted into a compact 200 mm diameter roll, the Low-Force System maintains the physical footprint of ABB’s standard Stressometer sensor while integrating specialised material properties to detect extremely small force variations to within a few grams with unmatched resolution. This enables much tighter flatness, thickness and tension control in finishing applications handling foil gauges ranging from 50 down to five microns.  

The Stressometer Low-Force Flatness System is ideally suited for finishing mills and integrated lines handling both breakdown and finishing passes. Its high performance enables precise control where standard force sensors become noisy or inaccurate, particularly below 20 microns. By ensuring consistently high quality, it enables producers to maintain high throughput whilst reducing scrap and re-processing.   

"The new system addresses customer requests for solutions that will help them improve quality, yield and energy efficiency in their metals production processes," said Marko Sydanlammi, global portfolio manager, force measurement at ABB's Measurement and Analytics division. "Our new Low-Force System offers the performance needed to meet these demands, even in the most challenging foil applications, while ensuring durable performance and lowest lifecycle cost." 

Demand for ultra-thin metals is growing as companies across sectors including electronics, automotive, aerospace and medical device manufacture look for new ways to produce smaller, lighter and more durable products and components. By enabling tighter control of cold rolling processes, the Low-Force System allows operators to ensure their products are consistently produced to the right requirements.  

In contrast to other sensor technologies, ABB’s Low-Force System features a solid mechanical design requiring minimal utilities input and virtually no wear-related maintenance. This provides improvements in lifetime performance and accuracy under temperature variation, as well as saving energy by reducing compressed air consumption. 

The performance of the system has already been proven in pilot projects, including EV battery manufacturing in South Korea and specialty foil mills in Europe and Asia.  

By extending the measurement range to meet the demands of foil applications, the new Low-Force System strengthens ABB’s portfolio and supports ABB’s drive to help industries outrun - leaner and cleaner. 

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