05/28/2013

    New line increases productivity at Miele

    1,600-metric-ton Schuler servo press used by household equipment manufacturer is one of the fastest currently available

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    In progressive operation, the Schuler servo press can achieve up to 45 strokes per minute; in transfer operation, 24 strokes and more.

    Schuler lines are not only used to produce parts for cars, but also for washing machines and dryers. Take for example the 1,600-metric-ton servo press, which went into operation at Miele in Gütersloh, Germany, just over half a year ago. The acclaimed manufacturer of household equipment has been able to raise output by up to 50 percent with the new machine.

    “With 45 strokes per minute in progressive operation, this servo press is probably one of the fastest in this capacity range,” says Ralf Kühn, Director of Key Account Management for the Technology Field Stamping & Cutting at Schuler. In transfer operation, the line reaches upward of 24 strokes per minute – for example – when producing drum caps from chrome steel. “We previously managed no more than 16 strokes per minute on a conventional machine. What’s interesting is that the actual forming process is even slower now and thus gentler on the die,” says Kühn.

    “We use the new press to produce highly complex housing and structural parts for Miele washing machines and dryers,” explains Markus Frielinghaus, Deputy Press Shop Manager. “All parts which come into contact with water – such as the washing drum – need to be manufactured from stainless steel.” In addition to the productivity and flexibility of the machine with ServoDirect Technology, which enable programmable slide movements, Miele was impressed by support provided by Schuler throughout the project: “Despite difficult conditions, such as assembling the crown on site, everything went very smoothly and according to schedule,” explains Frielinghaus.

    In addition to the press itself, Schuler supplied a highly dynamic tri-axis transfer system with active vibration dampening, as well as a roll feed with integrated blanking unit.


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