HMT Höfer Metall Technik, based in Hettstedt, Germany, has signed a service contract with the Technical Service of SMS group
(www.sms-group.com) for its 25-MN-HybrEx® and its 18-MN-GIAextrusion press. With this contract, HMT aims to increase
productivity, assure quality and enhance production security and reliability. The concept for the comprehensive service package has been developed in close cooperation with HMT. The package specifically includes equipment checks, alignment checks,inspections for cracks as well as optimizations of the hydraulic and control systems.

During equipment checks, SMS group service specialists will examine the condition of the plants and discuss the results directly on site with HMT. The customer will be provided a detailed report laying out maintenance and repair recommendations and − should the examination reveal the need − a quote for spare parts or consultation about modernization measures.

The alignment checks will involve measurements of the geometricalignment of the extrusion presses. The correct alignment is the basis for a consistently high-quality extruded product.

By having crack inspections performed, HMT prevents unforeseen line stops and achieves higher security of production. The Technical Service specialists of SMS group know the most critical and most severely stressed areas of the plant components. This knowledge allows them to take a pinpoint approach to maintenance and service.In case of a failure, recommendations for action can be immediately derived.

Optimizations of the hydraulic and control systems ensure that HMT will operate the presses at a consistently high level of productivity. Optimization measures will be aimed at reducing non-productive times and eliminating pressure shocks.

HMT operates one of the most modern extrusion press shops in Germany, offering a wide range of extruded high-quality profiles and downstream processing capacities. Christian Schwarz, Managing Director of HMT: “Our maintenance processes have a strong focus on product quality, productivity and reliability of production. We constantly strive to sophisticate this approach. This is why we have devised a service concept together with SMS group that perfectly meets our individual needs. SMS group is the perfect partner for us as it has the necessary technological expertise to support us in planning and implementing our maintenance activities. We look forward to working with SMS group as a team in mastering this challenging task.