Machines for sheet metal
Salico develops custom Cut-to-Length line for Niche Fusina's aluminum plates
Processing aluminum rolled products for high-performance applications requires equipment capable of combining precision, productivity, and flexibility. This is the context behind the new Cut-to-Length (CtL) line for coils up to 2,700 mm wide, developed by Salico for Niche Fusina. The line has been custom engineered to meet the processing requirements of large-format aluminum rolled products while ensuring high quality standards and operational versatility.
A line designed around the production process
The new CtL line has been developed to process 5xxx series aluminum alloy coils, materials widely used in applications where mechanical strength, surface quality, and dimensional accuracy are essential. The system is intended to produce aluminum plates for industries such as shipbuilding, road transportation, industrial manufacturing, and defense, where flatness and dimensional precision directly affect the performance of the finished product.
The line processes coils up to 2,700 mm wide, producing sheets up to 16 meters long at speeds of up to 60 m/min. It handles material thicknesses ranging from 4 to 12 mm, with cutting widths from 800 to 2,600 mm.
These capabilities allow manufacturers to process a broad range of products while maintaining consistent quality and high repeatability.
Technologies developed for precision and efficiency
One of the key strengths of the new line is the integration of proprietary technologies developed by Salico.
The VI leveler, equipped with 15 working rolls, is designed to deliver precise flatness control. Its automatic adjustment system, combined with the possibility of rapid manual corrections, enables operators to quickly adapt the machine to different material thicknesses and processing requirements.
Another core component is the Sheetronic rotary shear, a Salico patented solution with more than 200 installations worldwide. Thanks to its compact design and dedicated PLC control system, it achieves cutting tolerances below 0.2 mm even at maximum operating speed.
The system also incorporates a camber compensation system, ensuring cutting accuracy even when the incoming strip presents curvature or deformation.
The line is completed by an edge trimming shear and a Bomb-Door stacker, designed to automatically handle sheets up to 16,000 mm long.
The stacker's two-box configuration enables continuous operation, while its lateral support system and automatic stacking height control ensure perfectly aligned sheet packs, ready for downstream processing or shipment.
Custom engineering as a competitive advantage
Rather than supplying standard machinery, Salico develops solutions tailored to each customer's specific production requirements. Its custom engineering approach allows every line to be configured according to material characteristics, product dimensions, plant layout, and production objectives.
For the project developed for Niche Fusina, this philosophy resulted in a solution capable of processing large-format aluminum rolled products while maintaining high levels of precision and quality. The ability to produce sheets up to 16 meters long also expands production capabilities and increases operational flexibility.
Integrated mechatronics and sustainability
At the core of Salico's technology is the integration of mechanical engineering, automation, and control software. The company defines this approach as “Integrated Mechatronics”—the combination of mechanical systems and digital technologies to optimize machine performance, simplify setup operations, and improve production reliability.
Sustainability is another key aspect of Salico's engineering philosophy. The focus on energy efficiency, waste reduction, and process optimization helps customers improve productivity while reducing the environmental impact of their manufacturing operations.
The Cut-to-Length line developed for Niche Fusina demonstrates Salico's ability to design solutions that meet the evolving requirements of modern metal processing.
Now part of Andritz Metals, Salico brings more than 45 years of experience in the design and manufacture of process lines for metal strip processing. For further information or to request a customized quotation, please contact the company using the details provided on this page.
