Smart solutions for complex challenges

"Innovate Manufacturing" is the motto of this year's EMO and thus hits the core of SW's corporate claim "Smart Manufacturing Solutions". "For us, innovative and smart manufacturing are two sides of the same coin," says André Harter, Head of Marketing and Business Development at SW. "Both enable us to respond individually and efficiently to the needs of our customers.

At EMO Hannover, we would also like to extend our guiding principle Be smart. Be part. corroborate. This does not only apply to the topic of sustainability, which we at SW are focusing on with our ECO2program for machining centers. But also on our technology people, who are at the heart of our vision and smart solutions." At the world's largest trade fair for metalworking, the market leader in the field of multi-spindle machines will be showcasing three machines from its extensive range of smart manufacturing solutions, two of them for the first time.

Efficiency boost for the automotive industry

Productivity, flexibility, modularity and connectivity are the most important factors for SW in order to be able to meet challenges in the fast-growing field of e-mobility with efficient system solutions. The best example of this is the new BA W03-22 CNC machining center. Thanks to high precision and efficiency, the two-spindle machine is ideal for the production of high-quality workpieces in medium and large series for the automotive industry. Compared to a single-spindle machine, cycle times can be reduced many times over, ensuring maximum productivity. "We have expanded the tried-and-tested machine concept of the 3 Series to include a two-spindle two-station machine. With the linear motors installed in the machine, even faster axis accelerations are possible," explains Harter. "This allows us to achieve more dynamics and speed compared to a ball screw like the BA 322 model, for example with 20 percent faster chip-to-chip times." With a travel of 300 mm, the BA W03-22 also positions in G0 30 percent faster than the BA 322. The machine is the first from SW to be equipped with the Siemens Sinumerik One control system.

Flexible editing with the BA profile and BA space3

Another highlight in Hanover is the new BA profile. "This makes it easy to mill profiles made of various materials, including for the truck and automotive industries, up to a length of 2,500 mm," explains Harter. The two-spindle machine in compact design has two working areas and enables processing on two work tables per side. Loading is carried out either by means of automation or ergonomically manually.

With the BA space3, SW is also showing the largest machine in its own portfolio to date at the trade fair. This is particularly suitable for machining large battery housings and numerous structural components that are required for the growing e-vehicle market, in aviation or agriculture – keyword giga-casting: Instead of a large number of individual parts welded or screwed together, a few large components, each cast and machined from one piece, are used. For example, underbodies, subframes or entire front frames are created for the construction of electric vehicles. The loading and unloading of the BA space3 at the booth is carried out by a robot.

Trends in manufacturing at the booth in Hall 12

In addition, SW will be presenting further technologies for the processing of aluminium, steel, cast iron, cast steel and light metals at EMO. "We not only want to present our portfolio at the trade fair, but also exchange ideas with customers, experts and specialists on industry topics such as sustainability, friction stir welding and giga-casting," says Harter, describing his expectations for EMO 2023. This significantly reduces both energy consumption and emissions."

More than meets the eye

"Our goal is to surprise visitors to the trade fair with the variety of our system solutions," summarizes André Harter. "Many people are not even aware of how broad our portfolio is and how extensive our line expertise actually is." With flexible manufacturing modules, digital networking of the process chain and intelligent automation solutions developed together with customers, SW delivers tailor-made manufacturing solutions that are precisely tailored to the respective needs.

Schwäbische Werkzeugmaschinen GmbH (SW) at EMO Hannover, Hall 12, Booth C04, September 18-23, 2023. For more information, please visit: http://www.sw-machines.com/