Knife assembly goes digital: thyssenkrupp Materials IoT introduces knife assembly software

IIoT service provider thyssenkrupp Materials IoT is automating the calculation and assembly of knives in steel service centers with the help of its new toii®.Cut software. The software solution digitalizes all preparatory and execution steps on slitting lines: from software-based knife calculation and the automated creation of knife assembly plans to digital tool management. It is a further module of toii®, the IIoT platform that digitizes and automates production in the steel and metalworking industry.

The high degree of automation on the shop floor leads to more efficient work and helps to sustainably save costs and reduce throughput times. In addition, the use of the solution means that users are significantly lightened in the execution of their everyday activities. This allows them to focus on infrequently occurring cases, such as calculated knives with warnings or error messages.

Cooperation between processing specialists and software developers

The toii®.Cut software was developed in a two-year cooperation with the processing specialist thyssenkrupp Materials Processing Europe. More than 15 years of experience in software product development and extensive industry knowledge from steel service centers have been incorporated into the development. The aim was to find a solution that could be seamlessly integrated into thyssenkrupp Materials Processing Europe's existing IT system – including its own ERP system – in the ongoing digitalization of steel service centers.

With the help of the solution, the processing specialist is now able to meet increasing requirements such as on-time delivery, even for orders with small batch sizes or a large quantity of knives to be built. Handwritten work and paper-based processes are also to be replaced. "From an operational excellence point of view, with toii®.Cut we have another building block to increase efficiency, process stability and quality at all our sites through digitalization," says Michael Panzer, Head of Operational Excellence at thyssenkrupp Materials Processing Europe.

Numerous features and continuous development

The web-based software solution promises its users a cross-site application with numerous functions and features as well as an intuitive user interface. With the aid of integrated tool management, the use of tools can be optimized and longer knife service lives achieved.

toii®.Cut is continuously optimized and developed further so that users benefit from regular improvements and innovations. Updates can also be made during operation across all machines and locations. "We are in contact with our customers in steel service centers from all over Europe beyond the initial development process and have gained a very good understanding of their requirements. This allows us to ensure that our software remains up-to-date and also meets the individual needs of users," explains Sebastian Lang, Managing Director of thyssenkrupp Materials IoT.

thyssenkrupp Materials IoT GmbH was founded in September 2019 as a spin-off from thyssenkrupp Materials Services. The company supports its customers on the journey to Industry 4.0 with innovative IIoT solutions for the shop floor. thyssenkrupp Materials Processing Europe is a leading steel and aluminum service center serving processors from the automotive, electrical, construction and solar industries at eleven locations in six countries. The processing specialist offers tailored services and digital solutions for flat steel and nonferrous metals throughout Europe.