The French special steel manufacturer ASCOMETAL belonging to the SEVERSTAL-LUCCHINI Group has placed an order with the Austrian manufacturer BRAUN Maschinenfabrik to deliver three heavy-duty abrasive cut-off machines for the Hagondange plant (Lorraine). These machines are part of a large-scale extension project in the hot rolling mill. They will be used for hot cutting of rolled round-bar steel having a diameter of up to 100 mm to predefined bar lengths. To maximize throughput layers of several round bars (width of layer up to 1200 mm) are cut simultaneously. The abrasive cut-off machines work fully automatically. The whole automation system, which is interfaced to the rolling mill control system, as well as various auxiliary equipment will also be delivered by BRAUN. Commissioning of the three abrasive cut-off machines is scheduled for July/August 2007.