Perfectly levelled ultrathin steel strips

Arinox, a flagship company of the Arvedi Group, continues to push the boundaries of stainless-steel processing with the installation of the 100th UMS (Unflatness Measurement System) by REDEX. This milestone represents not only a technological achievement for REDEX, but also the continuing evolution of Arinox as a leading global supplier of ultrathin, precision-rolled stainless-steel strip.

Arinox: Pioneering Precision in Stainless Steel Strip Production

Headquartered in Sestri Levante, near Genoa, Arinox stands as the only Italian manufacturer—and one of the most respected globally—of precision rolled stainless steel. The company’s strategic focus on thin and ultrathin gauge materials places it at the heart of industries that demand extreme dimensional accuracy and mechanical reliability. These include automotive, biomedical devices, electronics, precision mechanics, and advanced plant engineering.

The Sestri Levante facility is equipped with a full suite of state-of-the-art rolling and finishing equipment, allowing production of stainless steel, nickel alloy, and titanium strip in widths up to 1570 mm and gauges as low as 0.050mm. With an annual output capacity exceeding 65,000 tonnes, Arinox has become a trusted partner for manufacturers worldwide who rely on tight tolerances and defect-free surfaces.

The Critical Importance of Flatness in Precision Strip

Flatness is a defining quality characteristic in strip production. Unevenness in rolled metal can lead to significant downstream issues—especially during slitting, forming, stamping, or component assembly. As strip thicknesses become thinner, even minor flatness deviations become magnified, increasing the likelihood of edge defects, warping, or inconsistent mechanical behaviour.

To counteract these risks, tension levelling has become an essential step in the cold rolling process. At Arinox, this technology is not an optional enhancement—it is central to the company's quality assurance philosophy.

“Tension levelling corrects the shape of the strip by applying calibrated, controlled deformation under longitudinal tension,” explains Mauro Moretti, Technical Director of Arinox. “This process elongates the shorter internal fibers and relieves residual stress, resulting in a consistently flat strip that performs predictably in the most demanding applications.”

Arinox began integrating tension levelling solutions from REDEX’s Ungerer brand early in its operational history. As the company expanded its production capabilities with wider rolling lines—first 1260 mm, and more recently 1575 mm—it continued to invest in REDEX’s advanced flattening systems, confident in their technical reliability and process control accuracy.

UMS PRO: Intelligent Flatness Monitoring and Real-Time Correction

The latest evolution in REDEX’s flatness control technology—the UMS PRO system—adds a new layer of automation and intelligence to the levelling process. Installed as the 100th system globally, the UMS PRO at Arinox is not just a symbol of global adoption but also an example of how precision engineering and digital control can transform strip processing.

At the core of the UMS PRO is a roller embedded with highly sensitive piezoelectric sensors that continuously measure tension and flatness variations. These real-time data inputs are processed to autonomously adjust wedge positions inside the levelling box and dynamically regulate the strip’s pulling force. The result is a self-correcting flattening system that operates with exceptional consistency—without the need for operator intervention.

“Thanks to UMS PRO, we can guarantee uniform product quality across the entire strip length,” says Mr. Moretti. “It not only improves process efficiency but also minimises the potential for human error in high-speed production environments.”

This level of automation is especially critical when working with thinner gauges and harder materials, where small deviations can cause larger process instabilities or quality issues.

Ongoing Innovation and Collaborative Development

Arinox’s partnership with REDEX is rooted not just in supplier-customer transactions, but in long-term technical collaboration. Together, the two companies have undertaken several development projects to refine mechanical systems and explore the performance of new components.

One such example is the recent introduction of a newly designed bridle roller. Tested in collaboration with REDEX, this component is engineered specifically to enhance flattening during the processing of cold-rolled, unannealed stainless steel. These raw materials, often used in spring manufacturing and structural automotive components, present unique challenges due to their inherent internal stresses and high hardness levels. The new roller concept has already demonstrated promising results in improving levelling uniformity and expanding the process window for more difficult materials.

“Innovation never stops,” says Mr. Moretti. “Machines are never perfect—but with the right technical knowledge and a strong development partner, we can continue to refine our processes and remain ahead of the curve. With REDEX, we’ve found a partner who shares our commitment to continuous improvement.”

A Benchmark in Global Flatness Control

With the installation of the 100th UMS system, Arinox has further solidified its reputation as a leader in precision stainless steel production. At the same time, REDEX has reinforced its position as a pioneer in flatness control systems—setting a benchmark for intelligent process control in the global metals industry.

This collaboration exemplifies how advanced engineering, real-time automation, and long-term strategic partnerships are essential for meeting the ever-rising expectations of high-tech manufacturing sectors.

In the demanding world of precision strip production, flatness is not just a parameter—it’s a competitive differentiator. Thanks to its forward-thinking investment in REDEX’s cutting-edge UMS PRO system, Arinox continues to lead by example, delivering unmatched quality and performance to the industries of tomorrow.

Source: REDEX Group