Elval, in collaboration with optiscale, redefined the future of Smart Manufacturing at the 8th Smart Factory Conference. Elval’s Optimisation Manager, Apostolos Besis, and Dr. Stathis Plitsos, Senior Researcher at ELTRUN AUEB and CTO & Co-founder at Optiscale, presented a groundbreaking approach to aluminium rolling optimisation. Their presentation, titled "Reassessing the Optimisation Boundaries in Aluminium Rolling," explored tailored solutions that pushed the limits of efficiency in industrial processes.
Aluminium processing is inherently complex, requiring deep insights into multiple operational variables. The collaboration between Elval, a leading European aluminium manufacturer, and optiscale, a spin-off from the ELTRUN research group of the Athens University of Economics and Business resulted in a novel production scheduling model for aluminium hot rolling. This approach was proven to enhance machine utilisation to over 95%, considering the current and future production goals.
By reassessing conventional methodologies, the project demonstrated that tailored solutions, rather than one-size-fits-all industry tools, can deliver superior results. Through a comprehensive analysis of existing processes, constraints were identified and optimised to improve performance while maintaining cost efficiency and high-quality standards.
Key takeaways from the presentation:
- Challenges and objectives in Aluminium Hot Rolling – Addressing the complexities of production scheduling and efficiency.
- Tailored optimisation vs. Standard industry tools – Demonstrating the value of customised strategies over generic solutions.
- Key results and impacts – Showcasing the significant improvements in throughput, resource allocation, and operational control
- Extensions and applications – Exploring how these principles can be adapted to other industries.
Optimisation as a Driver of Smart Manufacturing
Elval’s progressive approach integrated tailored processes, advanced technologies, and human expertise to achieve a dynamic and intelligent manufacturing environment. By considering different production sequences and strategies, the collaboration enabled accurate decision-support for production scheduling that enhanced throughput, optimised resource allocation, and improved inventory management.
The synergy between Elval and optiscale highlighted the transformative power of combining academic research with industrial expertise. This partnership underscored Elval’s commitment to driving innovation in industrial engineering, setting new benchmarks in manufacturing efficiency.
More than 200 industry leaders in smart manufacturing latest trends and innovations gained invaluable insights into the future of digital transformation in manufacturing. Elval’s presentation was not just about optimising aluminium rolling—it was about leading the next evolution of industrial performance.