04/16/2007
Trend to forged alloy wheel rims brings Schuler new orders
Aluminum forged wheel rims are particularly light and rigid. Not only do they reduce weight, they also make a car look more attractive and sporty. Schuler was quick to react to the special requirements of alloy rim manufacturers and is now the world’s leading supplier of hydraulic forging presses for this segment.The long-observed trend toward high-class alloy wheel rims – and particularly forged aluminum rims – has since developed into a small boom. Hydraulic press lines are particularly well suited to this application as they can be used flexibly – even for small production lots – and can meet complex shape and mate-rial requirements thanks to their precise and dynamic control systems. Schuler therefore expects that the growing demand for high-quality wheels will translate into further new equipment orders in future.
Hydraulic forging line for 24-inch rims
The trend toward lightweight design and high-quality, individual equipment has now reached the SUV and light truck segments. These vehicles need particularly large and hard-wearing wheels. Schuler SMG in Waghäusel, Germany, recently delivered a hydraulic forging line to a Taiwanese manufacturer for the production of up to 24-inch wheel rims. This was the third order in just two years which the manufacturer had awarded to Schuler SMG.At the heart of the line is a hydraulic forging press with a press capacity of 70,000 kN. As a systems partner, Schuler not only supplied the 70,000 kN press, but also the corresponding part handling equipment with robots, the spraying and lubrication device for the dies and the tool-changing equipment.
Two turnkey lines for North America
The trend has also been confirmed by an order for two turnkey forging lines from a wheel rim manufacturer in North America. The lines also each include a hydraulic forging press with 70,000 kN press force. The rims are then expanded on a second press with 5,000 kN press force and punched before being transported for further processing. In addition to the standard press components and robot linkage system, Schuler is also supplying further elements in this particular case, including ovens, separating and palletizing devices, cooling stages and even a cooling tower.Please also read
Contact - North America
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