Speira and SMS group set new standards in aluminum recycling with the Metallics Optimizer

• Speira to digitalize aluminum scrap flows at three German sites, with an option for six more sites in Europe
• Energy and recyclable material savings thanks to digitalization solutions
• Scrap charging recipes to be optimized with learning digitalization

Speira’s Recycling Services and SMS group have announced their strategic partnership to set new operational standards by implementing state-of-the-art digitalization technologies from SMS group for scrap handling at the customer’s sites in Töging am Inn, Grevenbroich, and Deizisau. The agreement covers SMS’s “Metallics Optimizer”, a learning charge-mix optimization solution designed to enhance operational efficiency, reduce costs, and optimize the scrap mix. The roll-out of the Metallics Optimizer takes into consideration the integration of the melting and holding furnaces for aluminum, as well as the furnaces used for magnesium production.

The installation of the Metallics Optimizer will cover other Speira-specific use cases with a focus on business processes and will enable step-by-step charging and the related sequencing of heats. Taking into account factors such as availability, process costs, and purchasing costs for different types of scrap, the Metallics Optimizer is set to enhance the alloy recipes in use today. Furthermore, the Metallics Optimizer will support Speira’s Recycling Services with optimized recipe suggestions, including the possibility of comparing different charge-mix scenarios. Optimized recipes play a significant role in improving cost competitiveness. By using scrap in an optimal way, the Metallics Optimizer is able to reduce energy consumption and raw material losses during the melting process.

The easy integration into the existing IT landscape with multiple types of third-party equipment and automation systems contributes to the enrichment of charge-mix calculation-related data when required and also means additional planning-related functions can be set up.

In consideration of Speira Recycling Service’s existing processes in various plants in Europe, the Metallics Optimizer will be fully customizable to meet the requirements of the production and business processes, offering a range of supporting functions such as the reuse of in-house circular materials and post-consumer recycling materials, as well as compliance with environmental and legal requirements. Being web-based, the package of customizable and learning digitalization solutions for scrap handling enables systems to be operated and controlled remotely, thereby facilitating an integrative exchange among all Speira locations. The project is supported by a long-term software and maintenance contract to ensure continued operation after implementation and to keep the operational functions up to date with the latest technology.

“With SMS group, we have the right partner for our business in the sensitive aluminum recycling industry. They convinced us with a digital solution that seamlessly integrates third-party equipment and automation in a brown field environment with specific challenges and additionally is fully customized to meet the needs of our business processes,” says Marco Gehlen, Head of Operations & Technology at SRS.

“This strategic partnership is one of the major digitalization projects underway in the aluminum recycling industry and marks a significant milestone in bringing together the expertise of Speira Recycling Services and SMS group to deliver enhanced quality, efficiency, and customization capabilities. This project will be a contribution to SMS group’s value of #turningmetalsgreen by supporting circular economy, recycling, energy efficiency, and CO₂ reduction, and reflects our commitment to staying at the forefront of technological advancement in the aluminum industry,” says Caroline Chatard, Vice President, Solutions-Technologies, SXT.