AP&T takes the lead in heat exchanger plates AP&T领航板式换热器片制造
Interest in heat pumps appears to be rising in several parts of the world according to various forecasts, and if this trend continues, there will be growing demand for heat exchanger plates – the thin, corrugated sheets that are the heart of heat exchangers.
Different analyses indicate that demand for heat pumps will grow in the coming years, which means the volume of heat exchanger plates will need to increase significantly to meet the need. There are major market shares to capture for those who act now, says Lennart Johansson, Business Manager Line Solutions at AP&T.
This development is visible both within the EU and globally. In Asia, especially China, there is rapid domestic development, and the U.S. market is also expected to expand.
It’s always difficult to draw conclusions too quickly, and different players may have slightly different views on needs and development pace around the world. But several forecasts suggest that much higher production volumes than today will be required, says Lennart Johansson.
Lennart Johansson, Business Manager Line Solutions, shows examples of HEP plates produced in AP&T’s servo-driven production lines, developed for high capacity and low energy consumption in line with the increasing need for heat exchanger plates.
Technology that changes the game
With over 60 years of experience in sheet metal forming, AP&T has developed a complete solution that combines press, tooling, automation, and line control in an integrated system. This has made them one of Europe’s leading suppliers of complete production lines for heat exchanger plates.
The core of the line is AP&T’s proprietary servo press, designed to significantly reduce energy consumption and operating costs.
Thanks to our servo technology, energy use can be radically reduced compared to conventional hydraulic presses, while precision increases and surface quality improves. This is a technological leap that we know has a major positive impact on both production capacity and cost per plate, says Lennart Johansson.
Higher capacity, lower TCO
A production line from AP&T can manufacture up to approx. 3,000 plates per hour, depending on plate geometry and process layout. But according to Lennart Johansson, speed is only part of competitiveness.
Reliability is just as important. Our lines are built to run steadily, around the clock, if desired, with high availability. This is a crucial part of Total Cost of Ownership, where energy efficiency, uptime, and service needs are combined to provide a long-term low cost, he says.
AP&T’s lines often have a lifespan of over 20 years, and the company offers service, upgrades, and technical support throughout the period.
That’s exactly what we mean when we talk about ‘Excellent Lifetime Performance,’ says Lennart Johansson.
Turnkey solutions for fast profitability
For companies looking to start their own production of heat exchanger plates, AP&T offers fully tested and production-ready lines that can be up and running quickly.
Our lines are designed to be operational from day one. Many of our customers find that the line has paid for itself within one to two years. We achieve this thanks to high, stable output and low energy consumption, says Lennart Johansson.
For more established players, AP&T can also offer fully customized solutions that can be adapted and modularized as needed, while still relying on the same proven core technology used in all AP&T lines.
An opportunity for Europe to strengthen its self-sufficiency
European manufacturing does involve somewhat higher production costs than in some other regions, but this is compensated by several strategic advantages, not least factors such as a high level of technology, quality, and the possibility for close collaboration throughout the entire value chain.
In both the EU and the U.S., the most established manufacturing companies can be found, with long experience and strong market presence. At the same time, domestic production in China is growing rapidly, which both increases competition and creates new business opportunities for suppliers of advanced production technology.
The competence and innovative power in Europe are high, and there are good opportunities to take a strong position going forward. But competition will increase globally, so timing is important for those who want to build modern and efficient production capacity, says Lennart Johansson.
AP&T’s production lines for HEP plates promise high precision, high efficiency, stable operation, and low energy consumption, and are delivered as complete, turnkey solutions for in-house production of heat exchanger plates.
FACTS:
AP&T’s production lines for heat exchanger plates
- Capacity: Up to 3,000 plates/hour depending on size and process
- Energy savings: Up to 10 times lower energy consumption compared to conventional hydraulic presses
- Availability: High reliability and stable uptime
- Lifespan: 20+ years
- ROI: Typically 1–2 years, depending on volume and energy price
Learn more about AP&T’s complete production solutions for Heat Exchanger Plates
AP&T领航板式换热器片制造
全球多份市场预测报告同时指向一个趋势：热泵需求正在持续升温。若此趋势延续，作为换热器核心部件的薄型波纹板片——板式换热器片，其产能需求将迎来大幅跃升。
AP&T生产线解决方案业务经理Lennart Johansson指出：“当前正是抢占市场窗口的关键时期。尽管各方对增速判断有所不同，但共识明确：未来的产能需求将远超当下。现在采取行动的企业，将有机会在即将到来的增长中占据先机。”
这一趋势不仅限于欧洲，在亚洲（尤其是中国）及美国市场同样释放出持续增长的明确信号。
技术驱动产业变革
凭借逾60年金属板材成形经验，AP&T 开发了一套完整的解决方案，将压力机、模具、自动化和生产线控制集成在一个系统中，使之成为欧洲板式换热器片整线生产领域的技术领先者之一。
产线核心为AP&T专有的伺服压力机。与传统液压机相比，其在大幅降低能耗与运营成本的同时，显著提升成形精度与表面质量。这是一次技术层面的飞跃，对产能提升和单板成本控制都具有实质性推动力。
更高产能，更低总拥有成本
AP&T生产线每小时可生产约3000片板片（具体取决于板形与工艺布局）。但速度并非唯一指标，可靠性同样关键。AP&T生产线专为持续稳定运行设计，可支持24小时不间断高效生产。
Lennart Johansson表示：“这正是‘总拥有成本’的核心构成——将能效、运行时间与服务需求相结合，实现长期低成本运营。并且生产线的设计寿命超过20年，公司同时提供贯穿全生命周期的服务、升级与技术支持。这便是我们所说的‘卓越的全生命周期性能’。”
交钥匙解决方案助力快速盈利
对于计划自主生产换热器板片的企业，AP&T提供经全面测试且投产即达效的完整生产线，助力快速实现量产。
许多客户反馈，其投资在1至2年内即可收回。高稳定产出与低能耗是这一回报能力的两大支柱。
对于技术成熟的客户，AP&T亦可提供完全定制化解决方案，在沿用已验证的成熟核心技术的基础上，进行模块化适配调整。
欧洲制造的战略机遇
尽管欧洲制造成本相对偏高，但这一短板正被多重战略优势所对冲：高技术水平、优异的产品质量以及贯穿价值链的协同合作能力等。
欧美市场聚集了全球最成熟的制造企业，它们拥有深厚经验与稳固市场地位。与此同时，中国本土产能迅速崛起，既加剧竞争，也为具备先进技术的供应商带来新的合作空间。因此，希望建立现代化、高效产能的企业而言，把握时机至关重要。
技术概要：
- 产能：最高可达3000片/小时（取决于板材尺寸和工艺）
- 节能效果：较传统液压机能耗降低高达10倍
- 运行可靠性：高稳定性与持续运行保障
- 使用寿命：20年以上
- 投资回报：通常为1–2年，视产量与能源价格而定