\nAt the same time, vertical integration was limited: tank bottoms had to be machined externally, and there were also restrictions on cutting pipes with defined bevels. This resulted not only in lost potential for value creation but also in reduced flexibility in project execution. For Kremsm\u00fcller, it was therefore clear: If the company was going to invest, it would be in a system capable of more than just cutting. \u201cWe wanted to increase precision while also expanding our vertical integration and integrating new machining capabilities,\u201d adds Gattermayer. <\/p>\n
![\"The](\"https:\/\/bbr.news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/02-508x381.jpg\")
\u00a9 Messer Cutting Systems<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
More Than Just a Machine Replacement<\/h4>\n
The replacement of the flame-cutting system was therefore intended to be a step forward for the entire company. The goal was a CNC cutting platform for large-format sheet metal that combines oxy-fuel and plasma cutting, bevel cutting, tube processing, vessel bottom processing, and marking in a single system. At the same time, it was intended to offer ergonomic improvements.
\nIn addition to the technical performance specifications, the long-term partnership was particularly important. \u201cFor us, it wasn\u2019t just what the machine could do that mattered, but who was behind it,\u201d says Gattermayer. Short response times, service availability in Austria, and structured project management were the key criteria. Given the importance of the project, implementation was to take place without long wait times. According to its own statement, Messer Cutting Systems was able to offer project planning with defined milestones. In the end, the decision was made in favor of the Omnimat from Messer Cutting Systems. <\/p>\n
The printing area measures 4,000 \u00d7 18,000 mm<\/h4>\n
With this system, Kremsm\u00fcller is relying on a CNC cutting machine designed for large work areas and demanding applications. It combines cutting-edge technology, ease of use, and precision. Thanks to its robust gantry design and guide profiles, it delivers cutting accuracy and contour fidelity, even under industrial production conditions. \u201cOne of the Omnimat\u2019s major advantages is its flexibility. Whether oxy-fuel, underwater, or dry plasma; whether vertical cutting, bevel cutting, or with a drilling unit and marking tools\u2014it\u2019s suitable for a variety of cutting and machining processes,\u201d says Abraham Balendran, Head of Product Management at Messer Cutting Systems. \u201cTo meet Kremsm\u00fcller\u2019s requirements, we combined various equipment options to create a multifunctional machining platform.\u201d Plasma cutting technology provides the foundation for vessel bottom processing. Vessel bottoms with diameters up to 4,200 mm can now be processed on the system. Laser measurement ensures that component geometries are captured and cutting paths are adjusted. In addition, Kremsm\u00fcller focused on optimizing working conditions. The goal was to increase productivity while reducing the physical strain on employees. At the heart of this effort is the water-jet cutting table with water level control and a belt conveyor system. The water-jet cutting table is designed for both above-water oxy-fuel cutting and underwater plasma cutting. Raising and lowering the water level reduces emissions, noise, and thermal stress. In a project of this magnitude, the plant is only one part of the success. Collaboration is just as crucial. Until its completion in July 2025, the project proceeded with close coordination between both teams. The goal was to keep downtime to a minimum and get the plant up and running. \u201cFrom the very beginning, the collaboration was very cooperative and solution-oriented,\u201d says Gattermayer. \u201cCoordination was straightforward, adjustments were implemented quickly, and agreements were honored.\u201d By investing in the cutting system, Kremsm\u00fcller has technically realigned its cutting and prefabrication capabilities. The combination of gantry technology, plasma and oxy-fuel cutting processes, bevel cutting, a pipe rotation axis, and container bottom machining makes the system a central component of the company\u2019s value creation. Kremsm\u00fcller believes it will remain well-positioned in the future with the new cutting system. \u201cIt gives us the flexibility and vertical integration we need to remain competitive even under difficult conditions,\u201d reports Gattermayer. After all, energy prices, costs, and bureaucracy pose challenges for the plant engineering industry. \u201cOur task is to continue supplying our customers with the quality they\u2019ve come to expect,\u201d says Gattermayer. Web:
\nThe cutting table, with a working surface of 4,000 \u00d7 18,000 mm, enables the machining of large-format components. The system also features two cutting zones, separated by a partition wall. The positioning speed of up to 50 m\/min, combined with high acceleration and rapid height adjustments, further reduces downtime.
\nThe system is controlled and programmed using Messer\u2019s Omniwin CAD\/CAM software. It supports oxy-fuel, plasma, and laser cutting processes and enables efficient production of varying batch sizes and small series, as is typical in plant engineering. Operating with CAD, import, and nesting for vertical and beveled parts simplifies workflows.
\nThe cutting system also includes the newly developed \u201cBoilerend NT\u201d module for machining vessel bottoms. A program can be generated in just a few steps, starting with the import of the geometry in STEP format. \u201cThe new software module is a highlight for us. It makes it significantly easier to program and machine vessel bottoms with a high degree of precision,\u201d explains Gattermayer. <\/p>\n![\"With](\"https:\/\/bbr.news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/03-286x381.jpg\")
\u00a9 Messer Cutting Systems<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nThe system handles many cutting processes<\/h4>\n
\nTechnically, the machine covers a wide range of applications. The Alfa oxy-fuel torch cuts sheet metal up to 300 mm thick and reduces setup times and wear thanks to its height sensing and tool-free nozzle change. The automatic, continuously rotatable D\/AFL three-torch unit for V, X, Y, and K cuts enables the production of bevel cuts at angles ranging from 15\u00b0 to 60\u00b0 and with tight tolerances for sheet thicknesses up to 80 mm.
\nThe Hifocus 600i neo plasma cutting system enables cutting of material thicknesses from 0.5 to 150 mm, even underwater, with high cut quality, particularly for CrNi materials. Thanks to the continuous rotational movement of the C-axis, the Skew Rotator Infinity plasma torch enables bevel cuts along almost any contour, even underwater. <\/p>\nGreater Independence Through Vertical Integration<\/h4>\n
\nWith the PTC500 pipe rotation axis, Kremsm\u00fcller is expanding its cutting technology with another key component. Pipes up to 6 m in length and 500 mm in diameter\u2014including weld bevels of up to 45\u00b0\u2014can be processed directly on the system. This largely eliminates the need for external machining steps. Component marking is also automated using a dot peen marker. It enables high-speed marking of text, numbers, lines, and contours on the component.
\n\u201cThe independence from third parties that we\u2019ve gained thanks to these new processing capabilities is an advantage for us,\u201d says Gattermayer. \u201cWe\u2019re more flexible, faster, and better able to control our quality standards.\u201d <\/p>\nFocus on Efficiency and Ergonomics<\/h4>\n
\nThe belt conveyor system offers a key advantage: it automatically removes the slag from the cutting area. \u201cIn the past, the tables had to be emptied and cleaned by hand. That was physically demanding and time-consuming,\u201d says Gattermayer. \u201cToday, slag removal is automated. This reduces the physical strain on our employees and increases efficiency.\u201d
\nThe system is supplemented by a sheet-cleaning system with high-pressure nozzles. It ensures clean sheet metal surfaces before the cutting process and contributes to cut quality. <\/p>\n![\"They](\"https:\/\/bbr.news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/04-508x381.jpg\")
\u00a9 Messer Cutting Systems<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nPartnership as a Key to the Project’s Success<\/h4>\n
\nJust three and a half weeks after installation began, the first cut was completed\u2014a testament to the structured project organization. The integration of the pipe rotation axis and the implementation of the container bottom machining were also carried out without any issues. \u201cProjects like this only work when both sides communicate openly and make decisions quickly,\u201d explains Gerhard Wimmer, Head of Messer Cutting Systems Austria. \u201cKremsm\u00fcller\u2019s organizational structure and short decision-making processes contributed to the smooth execution of the project.\u201d <\/p>\n
\nThe new system combines precision, versatility, and process integration. Dimensionally accurate cuts, reproducible bevels, in-house machining of complex components, and automated marking create seamless workflows. For Kremsm\u00fcller, the new facility represents a major leap forward. Gattermayer sums it up: \u201cWe have increased our vertical integration, stabilized our processes, and improved working conditions. This strengthens our competitiveness.\u201d <\/p>\nNew Cutting System Strengthens the Company<\/h4>\n
\nOne focus is therefore on greater energy efficiency and the expansion of energy projects, such as in the areas of process heat pumps, storage systems, and heat exchangers. At the same time, the further development of the company\u2019s own manufacturing operations remains a key priority. Gattermayer adds: \u201cThe more value we can create in-house, the more stable we are, even in times of crisis.\u201d He also has clear advice for companies looking to invest: \u201cMachines should be designed to be as versatile as possible. This ensures capacity utilization and future viability.\u201d <\/p>\n
\nwww.messer-cutting.com<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"