Schuler PRESSE RELEASE 1

Made in Germany - Schuler automates press line at Hunan Chang Feng Motors

Schuler has now manufactured and installed the complete automation equipment for presses of the Chinese press manufacturer Jier.

This year Schuler constructed a robot linkage system for four presses of Chinese press manufacturer Jier to create a production line in the Hunan province of China.

What makes this special is that the entire automation equipment for China was manufactured in Germany ¨C with the exception of the safety fence. It thus corresponds to the highest quality standards of goods made in Germany.For the assembly and production launch of the press, Schuler sent specially trained staff to China who worked together with staff of Shanghai Schuler at the end-customer''''''''s location ¨C car manufacturer Hunan Chang Feng Motors. Hunan Chang Feng Motors, one of China''''''''s leading SUV manufacturers, decided last year to extend its press shop with the addition of a new automated press line. The car manufacturer thought immediately of Schuler and placed an order for the complete automation system.

Dynamic robot control
The new press line at Hunan Chang Feng Motors consists of four mechanical presses supplied by Chinese manufacturer Jier and a complete automation transfer system supplied by the German manufacturer Schuler. At the heart of the line is an integrated line control system which connects the individual robots. This system is responsible for administering all safety-relevant signals, as well as coordinating all data required for the production process. In addition, the control system informs the operating personnel about the current status of the line. In order to optimize output, Schuler uses the software package PressTech. This software enables the robots to work together closely and within a confined space inside the press. The system also reacts dynamically to variations in the production flow and compensates accordingly.

Following the material flow, the blanks are first fanned with Schuler swiveling magnets and destacked from two loading cars by a Schuler destackfeeder. The blanks are then fed into a Schuler washing machine and oiling station. After the washing and oiling process, the blanks are centered in a gravity centering station and fed into the first press with the aid of a Kuka robot. The washing machine is a Schuler product and has already been sold over 120 times throughout the world. The feeding of the prepared blanks into the first presses is also handled by Kuka robots.

Online access from Germany
The necessary interfaces were already clarified in meetings between the companies Jier, Schuler and Hunan Chang Feng Motors in the early design phase. This information exchange was continued throughout the entire twelve-month project. Schuler ensured the smooth and trouble-free launch of the new press line by means of direct online access to the machines. Engineers in Germany could therefore offer constant support to their colleagues on site and actively accompany the progress of the line''''''''s assembly at all times. This service in particular played a key role in achieving full end-user satisfaction.

Right now, all equipments are installed in Chang Feng''s plant and producing high quality products. Looking back, we think we made a good decision to choose Jier and Schuler as our partners to help us develop our press shop capability, explains Kun He, Director of Hunan Chang Feng Motors.

Pictures:

Picture 1: Destacker, consisting of two load carts with swivel arm magnets, Schuler destack feeder, belt conveyor for blank transportation to washer, Schuler washer. All equippment has been manufactured by Schuler Automation Gemmingen

Picture 2: Schuler load cart with Schuler swivel arm magnets

Picture 3: Schuler gravity centering station with load robot (KUKA)