Torsten Schäfer
Torsten Schäfer joined the SMS group in 2007. In different roles and positions, he developed into a proven induction specialist for different applications in various industries. Since 2018, he is the General Manager Sales at IAS GmbH in Germany, an induction division within the SMS group, responsible for capital equipment and service sales.
In this role, Torsten counsels customers in various industries about different induction applications and technologies such as billet heating for extrusion as well as melting.
Torsten holds a joint master’s degree in Electrical Engineering and Business Administration from Technical University of Darmstadt, Germany.
Innovative Heating Solutions – Turning Aluminium Extrusion Green
Marco Schreiber1, Torsten Schäfer2 and André Schulze3
1OMAV S.p.a, Via Stacca 2, 25050 Rodengo Saiano, Brescia, Italy
2IAS GmbH, Am großen Teich 16+27, 58640 Iserlohn, Germany
3SMS group GmbH, Am SMS Campus 1, 41069 Mönchengladbach, Germany
Abstract. In lightweight metal extrusion, the heating of the billets is, excluding the raw material production, the second most energy-intensive process step and hence affects the carbon footprint of a product. In order to turn metals ‘green’, one approach is to improve the heating process by lowering energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions through electrification.
A detailed comparison of the heating technologies, burners, resistors and electromagnetics is presented, highlighting their efficiency and the impact of different improvement measures such as heat recovery systems, efficiency enhancements of gas furnaces, and electric convection furnaces, alongside traditional induction heating methods. Moreover, cutting-edge innovations such as permanent magnetic induction and novel coil designs in induction heating are investigated which promise significant advancements in energy efficiency by 30% and provides the potential of full carbon neutrality. By analysing the carbon footprint of these technologies, considering energy consumption and operational efficiency, a comprehensive overview of their influence on the environmental impact of the final products is provided. Thus, the most effective strategies and technologies for reducing the carbon footprint of profiles in aluminium extrusion are identified.
Sessions by
Torsten Schäfer
Tueday 15 July
10.50 am
Innovative Heating Solutions – Turning Aluminium Extrusion Green