Product category:
Special purpose joining equipment
News Release from: Thompson Friction Welding | Subject: Model 125 friction welder at Schmitz Cargobull
Edited by the Manufacturingtalk Editorial
Team on 29 January 2008
Friction welder has angular orientation
device
An innovative electronic-based angular orientation device that ensures two parts are accurately aligned in the chuck is used in a double-ended friction welder to produce truck axles.
For producing axles at its German factory, Europe's largest trailer manufacturer, Schmitz Cargobull, has chosen a Thompson friction welding machine equipped with an innovative alignment system The versatile, double-ended Model 125 machine, which has a forging capacity of over 100 tonf (1000kN), features Thompson's electronic-based angular orientation device that ensures two parts are accurately aligned in the chuck during the friction welding process
This article was originally published on Manufacturingtalk on 3 Dec 2003 at 8.00am (UK)
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Subcontract friction welding investment
Thompson, the friction welding specialist, has boosted its flourishing sub-contract service with a GBP750,000 investment programme, which has included the installation of new machinery.
Schmitz Cargobull is using the fully-automatic Thompson machine to friction weld finished machine hubs with pre-machined brake disc flanges at its modern production facility in Altenberge.
A Gudel gantry system loads the steel components into the friction welding machine, where they are simultaneously friction welded at both ends and then unloaded on to an output conveyor.
The machine is equipped with Thompson's computerised system for in-process weld monitoring and control.
Olaf Schuette, production manager at the Altenberge factory, said the machine's capabilities were remarkable, especially as production cycle time targets had already been exceeded.
"Thompson was delighted to develop this important machine through a very successful and close working relationship.
Schmitz Cargobull was particularly impressed with the special alignment system as it ensures highly-accurate concentricity, an essential factor for producing safety-critical parts such as trailer truck axles," commented Nick Edge, Thompson's sales manager.
In recent months, Thompson told manufacturingtalk.com that it had supplied a number of Model 125 machines to commercial vehicle component makers around the world including the Far East.
Thompson said that its M125 friction welder, available in single and double-ended options, is ideal for manufacturing beam, trailer and drive axles.
Thompson produces a range of friction welding machines for making parts used in the aerospace, automotive, construction machine and oil exploration industries.
Established for more than 40 years, the company has an annual turnover in the region of GBP 20 million and employs around 100 staff at its UK head office in Halesowen, West Midlands.
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