São Paulo, April 26, 2022 – Companhia Brasileira de Alumínio (CBAV3), the only company with integrated metal production in Brazil, is investing R$ 95 thousand in virtual reality technology to enhance maintenance training in the downstream business, in Alumínio (SP) and Itapissuma (PE). This is part of the Company’s R$ 27.3 million investment in digital transformation projects. In total, our plants have more than 200 maintenance staff. By using two virtual reality headsets, the company is expanding the reach of maintenance training and cutting costs.
In January, the annual scheduled maintenance of the Alumínio plant’s roughing mill was conducted remotely and synchronously. A professional from the unit carried out the maintenance work under the instructions of a specialist in London. Mills are a machine used by the industry to reduce the thickness of aluminum, to as little as 6 micrometers – three times thinner than a strand of hair. Virtual reality maintenance was conducted on the flatness measurement system which measures the real-time flatness of the material being processed by the mill to produce aluminum foil to the quality demanded by clients.
A mill of this size can cost as much as USD 40 million, and the control system alone undergoing the maintenance is worth approximately USD 2 million. The maintenance of the part was costing CBA R$ 200 thousand a year. CBA has 16 mills at the Alumínio plant.
CBA is envisaging other applications for technology over this and coming years, which will reduce the movement of employees between plants for maintenance, increasing synergy between the Alumínio and Itapissuma plants and acquiring expertise for our team.
In the Downstream Business alone, CBA has more than 200 technical employees who can benefit from the technology in training. The company has invested R$32 million in industry 4.0 initiatives in the last four years involving initiatives such as: using artificial intelligence in smelter and refinery products and processes, implementing a process control room to enhance product quality and operational efficiency, increasing the sensorization of industrial processes and equipment to gather information in the operation and to consolidate the data architecture (EDM), amongst others.
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About CBA
Founded in 1955, Companhia Brasileira de Alumínio (CBA) is a vertically integrated, sustainable producer of high-quality aluminum products.
With hydroelectric generation capacity for 100% of our energy requirement, CBA’s operations span both bauxite mining and processing into primary aluminum (ingots, billets, rod and slabs) and semi-fabricated products (plate, sheet, foil and profiles). Working closely with customers, CBA also develops tailored solutions and services for the packaging and transportation markets, helping customers to produce more lightweight, durable and sustainable products.
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