Steel Cutting Goes XXXL

Europe Steel Center in Moerdijk, Netherlands, optimized its production with a customized Element L laser cutting system from Messer Cutting Systems, combining innovation, efficiency and sustainability. The core of the solution is an XXXL cutting system that meets the demands for precision and flexibility and replaces two existing CO₂ lasers and a plasma cutting machine – with measurable ecological and economic added value.

The right moment for Innovation

"We've had fiber lasers on our radar for years," says Edward van Herpen, CEO of Europe Steel Center. "But we wanted to wait for the right moment – and that moment came in 2024." The company, which specializes in large-format sheet metal, was specifically looking for a solution to modernize its production capacities and future-proof them. "It wasn't just about purchasing a new machine," adds Tony Oerlemans, the project's technical lead and QHSE & Continuous Improvement Manager. "We wanted to rethink cutting – more efficiently, more sustainably and with the highest technical precision."

Size and technology decicisve factors

After a comprehensive market comparison, the team chose Messer Cutting Systems. The requirements were: cutting bevels on sheets up to 40 mm thick, flexibility in material sizes and fully automated integration into the internal material flow. "We compared all the major suppliers worldwide – but Messer impressed us the most," emphasizes Oerlemans. The decision to choose Messer Cutting Systems wasn't a coincidence – it was the result of a list of requirements, which the supplier met on point. "What convinced us was the complete package," says Tony Oerlemans. "We didn't need a standard solution, but a machine that precisely matched our requirements."

Several factors were decisive: the machine's exceptionally large processing area (16 m × 3.5 m), its high laser power for thick sheets, its state-of-the-art technical equipment with numerous options, its intuitive operation – and the reliable on-site service. "Messer's good reputation in the industry also played an important role," adds Oerlemans. "Here, we knew: This would work.

The Element L 

The Element L is the flagship fiber laser cutting system from Messer Cutting Systems – specially developed for XXL sheet metal. Available with fiber laser sources in various power levels, the system offers a balance of speed, precision and reliability – even with high material thicknesses. Thanks to its modular machine design, the Element L can be adapted to specific requirements. The Bevel-U bevel unit enables the production of precise bevel cuts at continuously adjustable angles and with the tightest tolerances. In addition, the separately driven needle marking system enables permanent marking of components in seconds.

The solution at Europe Steel Center includes automated, interchangeable cutting tables and integration into two halls for separate loading and unloading processes. The robust machine frame on precision linear guides, state-of-the-art CNC control with Global Connect and an automatic nozzle inspection and change system (LNC) enable minimally manned operation. The use of the on-board LNC unit eliminates long travel distances for nozzle changes, which also contributes to a significant increase in process efficiency. "The Element L fits our customer's vision perfectly," explains Bas Sanders van Well, Business Unit Manager Benelux at Messer Cutting Systems. "It represents dynamism, scalability, and precision – exactly what Europe Steel Center needs for its next step in growth."

(Source: Messer Cutting Systems)