Method for energy and resource balancing demonstrated as an example of the hot sheet metal production process

The demand for energy and resource efficiency in production engineering requires the implementation of suitable strategies and methods. A method for energy and resource balancing has been developed, based on a systematic detection and characterisation of energy and material flows within a manufacturing chain. This procedure for energy and material balancing (PEMB) is based on the Structured Analysis and Design Technique (SADT) model, which is connected with a techno-economic classification of production process elements. The methodology is demonstrated in detail as an example for the trimming process. Calculations have shown that energy savings of up to 40% are possible.