Crane Configuration Solutions for Non-Ferrous Metal Processing
Non-ferrous metal processing (aluminum strip coils 3–8 t/coil, copper busbars 2–5 t, zinc/magnesium sheets 1–3 t) is defined by heavy loads, long dimensions, and surface-protection requirements. Recommended configuration: QD double-girder crane 10–20 t with C-hook spreader, plus MH gantry crane 5–10 t and KBK with vacuum lifter. Kelude's non-ferrous processing solutions are fully scratch-resistant.
Non-ferrous metal processing — covering aluminum, copper, zinc, and magnesium — spans the full production flow from melting, casting, hot rolling, cold rolling, and annealing to finishing and cutting. Sheets, strips, and coils (individual coil weights of 2–8 t, widths of 0.8–2.5 m) are moved frequently between process stages, making surface protection a core requirement.
Aluminum Coil Handling & Annealing for Hot/Cold Rolling Lines
Aluminum coils (3–8 t per coil, 1–2.5 m wide, 2–500 mm thick) move through hot rolling, cold rolling, annealing, and finishing lines. Any scratch on the bright coil surface downgrades the product to seconds, resulting in a 10–30% loss in value. Furnace loading and unloading require high-temperature-resistant lifting spreaders, as furnace temperatures reach 300–500°C.
Recommended Model: QD double-girder bridge crane, 10 t capacity with an 18–24 m span, fitted with a rubber-lined C-hook spreader (10 mm rubber lining, temperature-resistant to 200°C). For annealing furnace loading, use high-temperature-resistant hook grabs rated to 500°C. V-shaped polyurethane saddles are recommended for the coil storage area.
Price Reference: QD double-girder crane, 10 t / 20 m span: approx. $15,000–$27,000 per unit; rubber-lined C-hook spreader: approx. $1,200–$2,200 per set. Kelude's aluminum processing solution includes a temperature-resistant rubber-lined C-Hook.
2. Copper Strip Processing — Copper Busbar & Strip Handling
Copper strip processing (copper or brass, 2–5 t per coil, 0.6–1.2 m wide) involves hot rolling, annealing, pickling, and cold rolling. After pickling, the copper surface has a bright rose color but oxidizes and dulls quickly when exposed to air. Coil handling must prevent both impact damage and surface oxidation.
Recommended model: MH-type single-girder gantry crane, 5–10 t capacity with a 10–16 m span, covering the copper processing area. Electric flat cars (5 t capacity) transfer coils between the rolling mill, annealing furnace, and pickling line. Nylon slings (100 mm wide) are used to prevent surface scratches.
Price reference: MH-type gantry crane (5 t) approx. $8,900–$14,800 per unit; electric flat car (5 t) approx. $4,400–$7,400 per unit. Kelude's copper processing package includes nylon slings and anti-oxidation protective film.
3. Zinc Galvanizing Line — Zinc Ingot & Coil Handling
Zinc processing (hot-dip galvanizing / die-cast zinc alloy) uses zinc ingots (25 kg each, 1–2 t per pallet) and zinc coils (1–3 t per coil). The galvanizing pot operates at 450–480 °C, with molten zinc splashes posing a burn hazard. Zinc dust is also flammable in air.
Recommended model: KBK flexible modular crane, 1–2 t capacity with a stainless steel hoist, covering the zinc ingot loading area. The galvanizing pot area uses heat-resistant lifting spreaders (rated for 600 °C) for changing submerged rolls and stabilizer rolls. The zinc dust area is equipped with an explosion-proof electric hoist (ExdⅡBT4).
Price reference: KBK flexible crane (1 t) approx. $4,400–$7,400 per set; explosion-proof hoist adds approx. 30%. Kelude's zinc processing package features stainless steel resistant to molten zinc corrosion plus explosion-proof electrical components.
4. Magnesium Alloy Plate — Handling & Explosion Protection
Magnesium alloy plates (1–3 t, 2–100 mm thick) go through casting, hot rolling, heat treatment, and sawing. Magnesium dust and chips are highly flammable in air (lower explosive limit: 20–40 g/m³), so the workshop requires explosion-proof design. The plate surface is prone to oxidation and needs protection.
Recommended model: Explosion-proof KBK flexible crane, 1 t capacity (ExdⅡBT4 full range), covering the magnesium plate processing area. A vacuum lifter with anti-static rubber suction cups handles the plates, avoiding sparks from steel lifting tools. Suspended fire extinguishers are installed in the processing area.
Price reference: Explosion-proof KBK flexible crane (1 t) approx. $5,900–$11,900 per set. Kelude's magnesium processing package includes anti-static vacuum lifters and a spark detection interlock system.
Non-Ferrous Metal Processing — Crane Configuration Comparison
| Metal | recommended model | tonnage | Protectionrequirements | reference price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aluminum | QD+CProfile Rubber Lagging Lifting spreader | 10t | Temperature Resistance200°C/VProfile Bracket | 10~18Universal |
| Copper | MH+Electric Flat Car | 5~10t | nylon sling+Anti-Oxidation | 6~15Universal |
| Zinc | KBKStainless Steel+Explosion-proof | 1~2t | Temperature Resistance600°C/Ex | 3~8Universal |
| Magnesium | Explosion-proof KBK+Vacuum Lifter | 1t | ExdⅡBT4/anti-static | 4~8Universal |
Key Parameters for Non-Ferrous Metal Processing
Kelude Service Advantages for Non-Ferrous Metal Processing
Kelude Heavy Industry has extensive experience in non-ferrous metal processing, backed by a 50,000 m² production facility and an ISO 9001 Quality Management System. We deliver damage-prevention, high-temperature-resistant crane solutions for aluminum, copper, zinc, and magnesium processors.
Surface Damage Prevention
Our core package combines QD C-Hooks with rubber-coated contact surfaces, MH nylon slings, and vacuum lifters to protect metal surfaces throughout the entire aluminum, copper, zinc, and magnesium processing workflow — minimizing downgrade losses from scratches and surface defects.
High-Temperature & Corrosion Resistance
Standard configurations include rubber-coated C-Hooks rated for 200°C, refractory lifting spreaders rated for 600°C, stainless steel anti-corrosion hoists, and explosion-proof ExdⅡBT4 options across the full range.
Integrated Line Logistics Planning
We provide complete workshop solutions for non-ferrous metal processing — covering crane type, tonnage, temperature resistance grading, and explosion-proof requirements for every workstation, including rolling mills, annealing furnaces, and pickling lines.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What are the downgrade criteria for scratched aluminum coil surfaces?
A: Aluminum coil surface scratches are classified by depth: ① Minor (0.1mm) — the entire coil is downgraded to a secondary grade (e.g., 6061 reduced to 6061-O), with losses of 30~50%. For this reason, wire rope must never come into direct contact with aluminum coils in processing workshops. Kelude Heavy Industry standardizes on rubber-coated C-Hooks and polyurethane support cradles.
Q: How do you protect copper coils from oxidation after pickling?
A: After pickling (with sulfuric acid/HNO₃), copper coil surfaces are in an active state and begin to oxidize and darken within 15~30 minutes of exposure to air. Protective measures include: ① Immediate rinsing with pure water (conductivity ≤10μS/cm) after pickling; ② Hot-air drying (60~80°C); ③ Applying a BTA (benzotriazole) anti-oxidation coating (0.5~1% concentration); ④ Wrapping in PE film and sealed storage. Clean gloves must be worn during handling. Kelude's copper processing solutions include an anti-oxidation spray system.
Q: What are the explosion-proof measures for magnesium processing workshops?
A: Explosion-proof requirements for magnesium processing workshops: ① Electrical equipment — all ExdⅡBT4 explosion-proof rated (motors, control boxes, lighting, switches); ② Dust control — central dust collection system (airflow ≥50m³/min), wet floor cleaning only, dry sweeping prohibited; ③ Fire suppression — Class D fire extinguishers (for metal fires, never use water or CO₂); ④ Lifting — explosion-proof electric hoist with anti-static lifting spreader (surface resistance 10⁶~10⁹Ω). Kelude's magnesium processing solution includes explosion-proof certification and real-time dust concentration monitoring.
Q: How are zinc pot sink rolls replaced?
A: Sink rolls in the zinc pot (weighing 200–500 kg) are submerged in molten zinc at 450–480°C and require periodic replacement (every 2–4 weeks). The replacement procedure: ① Lower the sink roll lifting spreader (heat-resistant steel hooks rated to 600°C) into the molten zinc to engage the roll journal; ② Slowly lift with the crane (speed ≤1 m/min) to withdraw the roll from the zinc bath; ③ Once clear of the pot, move quickly to the cooling area to prevent molten zinc from dripping onto the floor. Kelude's zinc pot system features a heat-resistant steel lifting spreader and anti-splash flange.
