In May this year, Alfred Wagner Stahl-Technik & Zuschnitt GmbH took a significant step towards technological innovation and increased productivity with the introduction of the ELEMENT cutting machine from Messer Cutting Systems. The new machine sets new standards in quality and productivity, exciting not only customers but also employees.
Building on this success, the traditional company decided to further modernise its machinery park. This time, the choice fell on the OmniMat® from Messer Cutting Systems, a particularly robust cutting machine for complex applications.
Continuing a Success Story
As part of its future strategy, Alfred Wagner Stahl-Technik & Zuschnitt GmbH is once again relying on its technological partnership with Messer Cutting Systems Austria to replace an existing system with the latest cutting technology. This project marks another significant milestone in the company’s development and demonstrates how technology and expertise can go hand in hand.
The Challenge: Setting New Standards
"Our existing system has become outdated. Moreover, for the first time, we wanted to integrate a drilling unit to enhance our productivity," explains Christian Aufreiter, Operations and Project Manager at Alfred Wagner Stahl-Technik & Zuschnitt GmbH.
The project’s goals were ambitious:
- Replacing the existing system with minimal production downtime,
- Integrating a drilling unit,
- Utilising the existing cutting table and extraction system,
- Ensuring user-friendly operation and brief training times for employees, and
- Achieving maximum reliability with first-class cutting quality.
The Solution: OmniMat® by Messer Cutting Systems
After careful evaluation of market offerings, the company selected the OmniMat® from Messer Cutting Systems. The machine is equipped with a drilling unit, a 3-Fold tool changer, and four ALFA torches, enabling cuts up to 300 mm. This model was chosen because it met all the criteria:
- Modern technology,
- Intuitive operation, and
- High precision.
"The OmniMat® was the logical choice for us. We already had excellent experiences with the first machine from Messer Cutting Systems, the ELEMENT. The quality and service convinced us," explains Christine Wagner, Managing Director of Alfred Wagner Stahl-Technik & Zuschnitt GmbH.
OmniMat® Cutting Machine
The OmniMat® is a robust CNC-controlled cutting machine designed for demanding applications in metalworking. It offers working widths of up to 13,000 mm and supports various cutting processes such as oxyfuel, underwater, or dry plasma cutting, as well as marking and drilling. Thanks to its sturdy gantry design and precise guiding profiles, it ensures high cutting accuracy and contour accouracy, even under the toughest production conditions. The open OPC UA interface on the Global Control system allows easy integration into modern Industry 4.0 environments, enabling efficient monitoring and control of machine processes.
ALFA Oxyfuel Torches
With numerous thoughtful features, the ALFA torch takes oxyfuel cutting to a new level. The torch nozzle can be changed without tools, drastically reducing setup times. The torch cuts effectively to the edge of the plate, allowing for better material utilisation. Additionally, the height sensing is resistant to slag, scale, and moisture, as it is magnetically and fully integrated into the torch.
Drilling Unit
The drilling unit is utilised when greater drilling accuracy is required, the drilling diameter is less than the material thickness, or when the amount of thermal piercing needs to be reduced. In such cases, the machine is equipped with an additional drilling unit.
A Textbook Project
The project process was a prime example of professional collaboration. From delivery to installation, everything went according to plan. "The installation was seamless, and the timing was perfectly coordinated," praises Christian Aufreiter.
The cooperation with Gerhard Wimmer, Head of Messer Cutting Systems Austria, is also highlighted: "Mr. Wimmer and his team were always there for us. They provided excellent support not only during the installation but also during training and the launch of the new machine."
Gerhard Wimmer himself expressed satisfaction with the partnership: "It is always a pleasure to work with companies like Alfred Wagner Stahl-Technik. Their commitment to quality and innovation aligns perfectly with our values at Messer Cutting Systems."
The Difference: Efficiency and Cost-Effectiveness
The new system has optimised numerous work processes. The drilling unit has significantly increased productivity. "Previously, we had to use a torch to pierce starting holes for oxyfuel cutting processes up to 200 mm or drill them manually. This was time-consuming and put a strain on the machine. Now we can easily pre-drill starting holes from a material thickness of 80 mm and cut the smallest contours even in thick materials," explains Christian Aufreiter.
Another advantage: Thanks to the intuitive operation of the Global Control system, the machine operators were able to take over the new system without any problems. "This shows how user-friendly and well-thought-out the system is," emphasises Christine Wagner.
Economic Benefits and Sustainability
In addition to higher productivity, the new system saves costs and extends the overall system's lifespan. "The modern drilling unit protects the machine and reduces maintenance intervals. This is a significant advantage in our daily operations," says Christian Aufreiter.
Looking to the Future
The team at Wagner Stahl-Technik & Zuschnitt is convinced that investing in modern technologies is the key to long-term success. At the same time, there is still room for improvement. The company remains optimistic about future developments. "The demands for flexibility, speed, and precision are continuously increasing. With the new system, we are well-positioned to meet these challenges," concludes Christine Wagner.
A Win Across the Board: Innovation and Collaboration Pay Off
The project between Alfred Wagner Stahl-Technik & Zuschnitt GmbH and Messer Cutting Systems Austria is a prime example of a successful partnership between businesses and technology providers. With the OmniMat®, the company has not only made its processes more efficient but also taken an important step toward the future.
"We are extremely satisfied with the performance of the new machine and our collaboration with
Messer Cutting Systems. This investment has been worthwhile for us in every respect," summarises Christine Wagner.
