Digital solutions for forming at EuroBLECH

Schuler can be found at the EuroBLECH trade fair in Hanover. Photo: Schuler

The sheet-metal processing industry is subject to constant change — production systems not only have to run reliably and deliver high output and quality, they also need to be quickly reconfigured for alternative components. Other requirements such as sustainable operation and a high degree of digitalisation have also emerged.

German company Schuler and its toolmaking subsidiary AWEBA will be demonstrating how these goals can be achieved with their solutions at the EuroBLECH trade fair which takes place in Hanover from 22 to 25 October (Hall 27, Stand G82), under the motto ‘Forming the Future – Reloaded’.

A car door made of high-strength aluminum that was created using a new hot-stamping process will take centre stage on the stand. Because the part is actually heated in the press, the furnace previously required for this is no longer required — and with it around half of the energy input. An automotive supplier in Asia is already utilising this new lightweight construction technology on a hydraulic line.

There is also news in the field of electromobility — Schuler now also offers the ‘Backlack process’ to manufacture rotor and stator stacks for traction, where the individual electrical sheets are stacked after being punched out and put into a bonding station, which activates the Backlack and joins the sheets by temperature and pressure. In contrast to other production processes, the insulation remains undamaged and therefore the magnetic properties of the drive are unaffected. A German automotive supplier can produce up to 80,000 rotor and stator stacks per year on such a fully automated line.

Visitors to the Schuler stand will also learn all about the latest digital solutions for forming technology, which help to improve cost-effectiveness, availability and energy efficiency in the press shop — even if the individual systems are from other manufacturers; anyone who wants to, can configure their new press line or individual press from Schuler on-site.