03/15/2011

Schuler awarded major contract from China for turnkey forging line to produce railcar wheels

Schuler Group subsidiary Schuler-SMG has received a major order from China to supply a turnkey press line for the forging and rolling of railcar wheels.

In addition to its proven forging presses, Schuler will also be supplying a newly developed wheel rolling machine for the first time. At the heart of the line are two presses for pre-forming the heated blocks, a wheel rolling machine, and a flanging and punching press. After heating the billet to 1,250°C a pre-form is forged in two stages with press forces of 5,000 and 10,000 metric tons. The forming process is then continued on the wheel rolling machine. Finally, a flanging press with a force of 5,000 metric tons gives the wheel its final shape and at the same time punches the hub.

In conjunction with the highly precise forging presses, the die concept developed by Schuler ensures narrow tolerances and low material consumption. Moreover, the automated linkage of the individual presses with robots guarantees short transport times.

The central control desk allows user-friendly and effective monitoring of the entire line. All relevant process data can be quickly accessed using the extensive data management and data archiving system. The line’s high output performance – designed to reach a maximum of 75 parts per hour – corresponds to the strong demand for forged wheels used by high-speed trains.

For Schuler, this major contract is a further step toward establishing itself as a first-class turnkey supplier on the important railcar market.

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