ESTRAL S.p.a., in Manerbio, Italy, has awarded SMS group
(www.sms-group.com) a contract to supply a HybrEx®28. This
extrusion press is the second press the company has ordered from
SMS group and the first one of the new HybrEx® series for the Italian aluminum market. It extrudes aluminum billets with a maximum force of 28 MN and a top speed of 20 millimeters per second.

The HybrEx®28 is one of a new generation of extrusion presses that features an innovative drive concept. Compared to conventional extrusion presses, hybrid drive technology significantly reduces energy consumption. Shorter dead cycle times mean productivity can be increased. As a result, the HybrEx®28 fulfills the requirements of an ecoplants solution.

The HybrEx® replaces conventional hydraulic drives for the axes of motion with high-speed electric servo drives in all areas where the speed of movement and acceleration are critical. The electric servo motors are faster and more energy-saving and allow for more precise positioning.

Its really compact design is possible thanks to the hydraulic system concept developed for the HybrEx®. The entire hydraulic drive unit can be integrated in the machine’s soundproof enclosure. The enclosure design not only looks state-of-the-art, it also takes into account all aspects of operational safety, ensuring better machine accessibility.

ESTRAL S.p.a. produces complex, top-quality precision profiles for a wide range of applications. These include both standard profiles and customized special profiles for automotive applications. The HybrEx® with its rigid, three-part triple-layer counter beam and the patented precision guide for container and moving crosshead provides the perfect conditions to achieve just that.

The HybrEx®28 is part of an overall order placed with OMAV S.p.a. for the supply of an integrated extrusion line. This includes a press feed line, a HybrEx® extrusion press, a handling system including sophisticated quenching system, a profile stretcher, and a finishing saw.

The new HybrEx® extrusion press is scheduled to be delivered to ESTRAL in Manerbio still this year.