Hanover, 18. – 23. September 2023. Schwäbische Werkzeugmaschinen GmbH (SW)
At this year’s EMO, the world’s leading trade fair for metalworking, Schwäbische Werkzeugmaschinen GmbH (SW) will be presenting two trade fair innovations in Hall 12 at Stand C04: the BA W03-22 CNC machining centre with two spindles and the BA profile, a new machine concept for machining profiles. SW will also be showing the BA space3, currently its largest machine for machining battery housings, and offering insights into current trends in manufacturing such as friction stir welding and giga casting. “Innovate Manufacturing” is the theme of this year’s EMO and is therefore right at the heart of SW’s corporate motto “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 allow us to respond individually and efficiently to the needs of our customers.” At the world’s largest trade fair for metalworking, the market leader in the multi-spindle sector 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 key factors for SW when it comes to meeting challenges such as the rapidly growing field of e-mobility with efficient system solutions. The best example of this is the new BA W03-22 CNC machining centre. Thanks to its high precision and efficiency, the twin-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 extended the proven machine concept of the 3 series with a two-spindle machine in two positions. With the linear motors installed in the machine, even faster axis accelerations are possible,” explains Harter. “This allows us to achieve greater dynamics and speed compared to a ball screw drive such as the BA 322 model, for example with 20 percent faster chip-to-chip times”. With 300 mm travel, the BA W03-22 also positions 30 per cent faster than the BA 322 in G0. The machine is SW’s first to be equipped with the Siemens Sinumerik One control system.
Flexible machining with BA profile and BA space3
Another highlight in Hanover is the new BA profile. “It can be used to easily mill profiles of various materials for the truck and automotive industries, among others, up to a length of 2,500 mm,” explains Harter. The compact, two-spindle machine has two work areas and allows machining on two work tables per side. Loading can be done either automatically or ergonomically by hand. SW will also be exhibiting the BA space3, the largest machine in its portfolio to date. It is particularly suited to machining large battery housings and a wide range of structural components required for the growing electric vehicle, aerospace and agricultural markets – the keyword here is gigacasting: instead of a large number of individual parts welded or bolted together, a small number of large components are cast from a single piece and machined. For example, underbodies, subframes or entire front frames for electric vehicles are produced in this way. A robot loads and unloads the BA space3 at the exhibition stand.
Manufacturing trends on stand in Hall 12
At EMO, SW will also be showcasing other technologies for machining aluminium, steel, cast iron, cast steel and light alloys. “We not only want to present our portfolio at the show, but also discuss industry topics such as sustainability, friction stir welding and giga casting with customers, experts and specialists,” says Harter, describing his expectations for EMO 2023. “Thanks to friction stir welding, for example, we are making production more sustainable by working at lower temperatures and without shielding gas. This significantly reduces both energy consumption and emissions.
More than meets the eye
“Our aim is to surprise visitors to the show with the diversity of our system solutions,” concludes André Harter. “Many people don’t know how diverse our portfolio is and how extensive our line expertise really is. With flexible production modules, digital networking of the process chain and intelligent automation solutions developed together with the customer, SW delivers customised production solutions that are precisely tailored to the respective requirements.
