Germany’s Vom Hofe places its trust in EBNER annealing technology

Wilhelm vom Hofe Drahtwerke GmbH, headquartered in Altena, Germany, was founded over 150 years ago. This wire manufacturer, rich in tradition and now a member of the Vom Hofe Group, recently placed an order with EBNER Industrieofenbau GmbH of Leonding, Austria for a state-of-the-art HICON/H₂ bell annealer facility to heat treat cold heading wire in nitrogen or hydrogen atmosphere.

The scope of supply includes two high-convection HICON/H₂ workbases with powerful atmosphere recirculation, at which charges of wire up to 60 tons in weight can be heat treated. It also includes one gas-fired heating bell, one air cooling bell and state-of-the-art processing and supervision technology.

The facility is distinguished by its high performance, paired with the lowest possible energy and utility consumption, and incorporates recycling systems to conserve resources. These systems re-use waste heat from the bell annealer in the downstream processing steps of the wire, as well as in the plant heating system.

Also included in the scope of supply:

• A state-of-the-art VISUALFURNACE process control system
• Equipment required to fulfill the requirements of the CQI-9 standard, including VISUALFURNACE AUTO/AEROPERFECT
• An interface with the production planning system

The facility is scheduled to start production in the fourth quarter of 2023.