Optimizing cut-to-length line performance: flying shear upgrade as a strategic retrofit

In today’s steel processing environment—driven by higher material performance, batch variability, and constant pressure on productivity—cut-to-length lines must deliver stable throughput, tight tolerances, and high equipment availability.

Within a CTL line, the flying shear is one of the most critical sections, as it directly impacts overall line productivity. When processing heavy-gauge and high-strength steels, increased mechanical loads require a purpose-designed heavy-duty solution featuring properly dimensioned structural design and advanced control systems.

For this reason, downstream processors and steel service centers are increasingly focusing on targeted retrofit projects involving the upgrade of key components and machines within existing lines, with the goal of improving overall equipment effectiveness (OEE), increasing reliability, and reducing unplanned downtime and maintenance costs.

FIMIGroup recently completed the supply and installation of a new Flytronic Flying Shear at Vogten Staal BV (The Netherlands), integrating it into an existing levelling and cut-to-length line.


The project was developed as part of a revamping initiative aimed at improving the reliability and performance of the cutting section, which plays a strategic role in ensuring process stability and overall productivity. The flying shear upgrade allowed the customer to achieve a more stable and reliable cutting process, reducing operational issues and contributing to increased overall line efficiency.

The Flytronic Flying Shear supplied for this project has been engineered to meet the specific production requirements of the customer’s existing cut-to-length line.

Reference processing range (installed configuration):

• Material: Steel
• Coil width: 500 – 2,150 mm
• Thickness: 2.0 – 20.0 mm
• Sheet length: 1,000 – 20,000 mm
• Working speed: up to 45 m/min

Key engineering highlights:

• Structural design focused on maximum operational reliability
• Advanced automation for cutting process optimization
• Engineered for heavy-gauge and high-strength steel applications
• Simplified and safe maintenance access for improved uptime

The above data refers to the installed configuration and may vary depending on line layout, material grades, and customer requirements.
This reference project confirms how targeted cutting section upgrades can represent a strategic investment to increase the competitiveness of an existing CTL line, improving uptime, reliability, and finished sheet quality.

For further information on Flytronic solutions and revamping projects on existing lines:
📩 [email protected] 
🌍 www.fimigroup.it