At EEW Pipe Production Erndtebrück, a member of the international EEW Group, has implemented a plasma cutting machine of the Sapphire brand Eckert. The goal of the implementation was to optimize the process of cutting difficult materials - mainly stainless steel coated sheets - while maintaining the highest quality standards.

Watch the video of the Sapphire system in action at EEW

EEW Pipe Production Erndtebrück, founded in 1936, is the headquarters of the international EEW Group. The company specializes in the production of LSAW (Longitudinal Submerged Arc Welding) pipes for applications with higher technical and quality requirements. The plant is equipped with a full-scale line for manufacturing large-diameter clad pipes and modern technological facilities, enabling the precise processing of metal sheets with complex material structures.

EEW PPE is one of the leading pipe manufacturers in Europe, providing solutions for sectors with the highest technological requirements, such as:

• conventional and nuclear power generation,
• offshore and onshore industry,
• water and gas infrastructure,

Learn more about the activities of EEW Pipe Production Erndtebrück

Large-diameter LSAW steel pipes in Erndtebrück

The plant needed a technology capable of cutting stainless-steel-coated sheets with high edge quality, precision and process reliability. A plasma solution proved to be optimal in terms of efficiency and repeatability.

The decision was preceded by detailed consultations and tests, which confirmed that the plasma plotter met all the key criteria.

"From the beginning, we focused on transparency of requirements and a thorough check of the machine's capabilities. The Eckert team invited us to see the Sapphire machine in live operation. It made a great impression on us."

- Richard Meng, assistant production manager

The machine is configured for plasma cutting according to the requirements and specifics of EEW's production process. Sapphire is an advanced solution for heavy industry that provides:

• high quality cutting of coated and alloyed materials,
• high working speed while maintaining precision,
• flexibility in terms of extension of working field length,
• accurate positioning and full automation of the cutting process.

"We cut sheets of stainless steel-coated steel - it's a difficult material, but it's no problem for the Eckert machine. Cutting quality, speed and clean edges are key for us - and that's exactly what we got."

- Nick Birkelbach, machine operator

The solution can process sheet metal as thick as 200 mm and cut difficult-to-cut materials. Depending on your needs, the Sapphire can also be equipped with oxygen technology and operate in 2D or 3D mode.

CNC operator working on the Sapphire plasma cutting system

See also other CNC cutting machines from Eckert: Titan DrillCut, Opal WaterJet Combo, Onyx

With the implementation of the Sapphire cutter, EEW has gained:

• Versatility - the ability to precisely cut sheets of mild steel, stainless steel and coated steel.
• High edge quality - crucial for downstream pipe processing.
• Saving time - fast work speed and automation of many operations.
• Reliability and professional service support - especially appreciated by the EEW team.

CNC plasma-cutting technology excels in heavy production environments, making it a natural choice for plants like EEW PPE.

"We wanted stability and reliability. The Sapphire machine meets all our expectations. The cooperation with Eckert has been exemplary."

- Markus Heinrich, EEW operations manager

Sapphire plasma-cutting system in operation at EEW plant

The implementation of a CNC cutting machine at EEW Pipe Production is further proof thatEckert's solutions effectively support demanding manufacturing processes in the industrial sector.

Learn more about the capabilities of Sapphire and see the Sapphire system in action at EEW.

Are you looking for a similar system for your production? Contact us - we will advise and select a technology to fit your needs.