26/08/2013

Stihl receives machine for chainsaw bars

Schuler supplies fully automated and turnkey production line completely from a single source

back 1 of 3 continue

zoom

back 2 of 3 continue

zoom

back 3 of 3 continue

zoom

Schuler SMG displayed the latest developments in hydraulic press technology at an in-house show held in Waghäusel in mid-July. Just under 100 visitors from Germany and abroad were able to see two drawing presses for automated manufacture of high-precision gearbox components, as well as a universal press for manual production of various parts. The highpoint of the in-house show, during which various technical papers were also presented, involved a presentation of a fully automated production line for the famous German chainsaw manufacturer, Stihl.

"Schuler is supplying the entire machine itself," explains CEO Dr. Martin Habert: "From the coil line to the blanking and stamping press, through to the automatic unstacking station." The line, about 25 meters in length, is intended for Stihl Incorporated in the US town of Virginia Beach. It will be used for making the blades of chainsaws from highly heat-treated tool steel in various sizes and lengths – referred to in the business as chainsaw bars. They are composed of right and left-hand outside parts, an inside part as well as what is referred to as the sprocket that transports the chain with the saw teeth.

But what actually happens inside the machine? The process starts with the twin-headed decoiler where the sheet is unreeled from the coil and then passes through the leveling machine and the roll feed. In the next step, it is stamped out by a hydraulic 500-tonne press type SH 500-1.2x0.8. The slide force then cuts the bar. The remaining sheet metal passes through the chopper and finally ends up in the scrap waste container.

14 months from receipt of order to delivery

However, the parts still have further travel ahead of them: the next station is a hydraulic 250-tonne stamping press (SH 250-1.2x0.8) which gives the chainsaw bar its final shape. Finally, a marking press punches in the batch number before a linear portal with a double gripper stacks the parts. This enables a magazine change to be performed during production. As a result, interventions in the system are possible without any interruptions in production.

Only 14 months elapsed between the receipt of the order and the planned delivery at the end of August: "This is a result of close and efficient cooperation between Design, Production and Project Management," says CEO Dr. Martin Habert. However, Schuler will remain a point of contact for Stihl even after commissioning, which is planned for early November: The press manufacturer's US subsidiary based in Canton, Michigan, will also look after the machine's service requirements.