ANDRITZ Schuler and WF Maschinenbau Partner for Tube Manufacturing
ANDRITZ Schuler and WF Maschinenbau integrate forging and flow forming technologies to produce high-strength hollow-body components for industrial and defense applications.
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ANDRITZ Schuler Pressen GmbH and WF Maschinenbau und Blechformtechnik GmbH & Co. KG have established a cooperation agreement to manufacture high-strength, closed-base precision tubes. This partnership combines separate forming technologies into a unified process chain designed for the production of demanding hollow-body components. The technical focus lies on integrating hydraulic forging presses from ANDRITZ Schuler with the flow forming and necking-in systems developed by WF Maschinenbau.
Synergy in Manufacturing Sequences
The manufacturing sequence begins with forged preforms produced on ANDRITZ Schuler systems. These preforms then undergo further shaping through WF Maschinenbau's flow forming and hot spinning processes. This mechanical combination allows for the production of thin-walled tubes that maintain high pressure resistance and material strength. The integration of these distinct technologies aims to provide a coordinated process for manufacturing large-format metal cases, particularly those requiring specific ballistic precision.
Material Efficiency and Operational Advantages
The combined process chain addresses specific technical and economic requirements in industrial manufacturing. By coordinating the design from the initial preform stage to the finished component, the system reduces raw material input by up to 15 percent compared to conventional methods. This reduction helps decrease material costs and simplifies procurement logistics. The reliance on flow forming ensures a process-stable internal contour, which is necessary for the geometric reliability of the shell.
Industrial Scale and Applications
The joint system concepts are engineered for series production with high cycle-rate capabilities, supporting industrial scalability. This focus on manufacturing capacity is relevant for sectors such as the defense industry, where there is a requirement for high-precision components. The technical objective of the cooperation is to minimize machining and maximize material utilization through precisely controlled process steps.
Presentation at Eurosatory Exhibition
ANDRITZ Schuler and WF Maschinenbau are scheduled to present their joint system and process concepts at the Eurosatory trade fair. The event takes place from June 15 to 19, 2026, in Paris. Technical representatives will provide information on the integrated technology solutions developed through this strategic partnership.
Edited by an industrial journalist, Lekshman Ramdas, with AI assistance.
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