Enabling mobility and sustainability

Schuler's sheet metal forming lines are almost as diverse as the parts produced on them. They range from the larger-than-man-sized C-frame press for packaging to press lines filling factory halls that form car doors and engine hoods, among other things. Notching presses for electrical sheets and production lines for battery housings are also part of the portfolio. Added to this are the numerous digital applications that Schuler has already developed for forming technology.

"Our lines make mobility and sustainability possible in the first place, because they produce, for example, the components for electric cars with a long range or electrolysers for the production of hydrogen," emphasizes Schuler CEO Domenico Iacovelli. "With the help of our applications from the Digital Suite, the production lines themselves can also be operated even more energy-efficiently and economically."

In the meantime, not only Schuler's single presses are of modular design (TRITON concept), but also the multi-stage press lines. The most powerful line, "ServoMAX," can produce a particularly large number of parts cost-effectively. For those who want to take advantage of all the benefits of servo technology but do not require maximum output, Schuler now offers the "ServoNEXT" press line. The "MechNEXT" is an additional mechanical press line without servo drive.

Laser blanking lines cut the blanks which the press lines then form into body and structural parts. In addition to the proven lines with two and three laser cutting heads, Schuler has now added a more cost-effective line to its product portfolio which operates with one cutting head. All laser blanking lines allow die-free blanking: all that is needed to change from one geometry to the next is the push of a button.

Lighter components extend the range of vehicles – whether with electric drives or combustion engines. A new process for hot stamping aluminum is therefore now being used on hydraulic presses from Schuler, in which the light metal is heated, formed, and simultaneously cooled within a very short time. The result is high-strength components with low weight.

Schuler Service, with its experts around the world, helps customers increase the output of their lines and ensure availability. "Shopfloor Operations Management" is the name of the latest application from Schuler's Digital Suite, which can even be used to optimize and control an entire press shop. Other solutions include applications from the field of machine vision as well as systems for component tracking and energy optimization.

Triton series successfully launched

With its modular presses, Schuler provides the right answer to the challenges of the supplier industry.

No other company can look back on as much experience in press manufacturing as Schuler with its more than 180-year corporate history. In the metalworking industry, however, it is unlikely that so many challenges have ever had to be met at once. Automotive suppliers are playing an increasingly important role; many innovative technologies, for example to comply with the strict EU emission limits, can be traced back to them. For these and other customers, Schuler has developed the Triton modular press series, which has become established on the market.

"Every stamping and cutting system that leaves our production sites is now a Triton press," says Managing Director Frank Klingemann, who heads the Industry Division at Schuler. "With our Triton series, we are a strong and reliable partner because we provide our customers with a future-proof concept for mastering current and upcoming challenges," adds Oliver Beisel, who heads the stamping and cutting system unit.

Speaking of digitization: machine applications can be installed on Triton presses at any time to enable central monitoring and continuous, data-based optimization of availability and die use, among other things. The applications provide information for predictive analyses, offer direct access to sensor data and update themselves automatically. Apps such as the integrated OptimizerPro and the optional Smart Assist ensure short makeready and setup times with maximum productivity.

Speaking of sustainability, Triton presses offer a long service life and reduce die and material wear to a minimum thanks to the robust and precise machine design, high load-bearing pressure points, a high reliable off-center load capacity, and low bounce and deflection. The standard integrated Ecoform package reduces the need for energy, lubricants and wear parts. Schuler produces the Triton presses themselves in the site closest to the customer. This reduces transport distances.

Speaking of skills shortages: presses with ServoDirect technology are highly efficient, but not every operator can take advantage of the numerous possibilities right from the start. The Smart Assist electronic assistant makes it quick and easy to achieve maximum output. Thanks to outstanding user-friendliness, extensive automation and seamless IoT integration, TRITON presses offer state-of-the-art workplaces that are fit for the future.

Speaking of flexibilization: Press shops are usually geared to large quantities in series processes. Triton presses are also ideally suited for small batch sizes thanks to their high degree of automation, standardized interfaces and consistent operating concept. From the coil line and blank loader to the press and transfer to the outfeed conveyor, everything is optimally coordinated - a complete system from a single source.

The modular series includes systems with both conventional flywheel and servo-mechanical drives. The press forces range from 2,500 to 32,000 kN, the table sizes up to a length of 8.20 meters. "Designed as a monoblock, in tie-rod construction or the innovative TwinServo technology, Triton presses offer individual solutions for a wide range of production requirements and numerous design advantages geared to the future," summarizes Director Global Stamping & Cutting Oliver Beisel.

Source: Schuler