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Hot-stamping line produces up to 4 million parts per year

Schuler has introduced PCHflex technology, a further development of the pressure-controlled hardening process. In the press-hardening method, parts are heated to 1,700 degrees F and then simultaneously cooled and hardened in the subsequent forming process to give them high rigidity.

PCHflex technology allows flexible, economical production of high-quality hot-stamped parts, according to the manufacturer. It uses fast hydraulic presses with dynamic force control and RingValve technology. With four parts per stroke (four-out mode), one line can produce up to 4 million parts per year.

Because pressure is controlled during hardening, the necessary press force can be distributed evenly over the part. The flexible bed cushion helps ensure a uniform, high-contact pressure within the part and distributed over several parts, which helps speed cooling for reliable metallurgical transformation. According to the manufacturer, cooling time is half that of conventional methods.

Also with this technology, automobile manufacturers and suppliers are more independent of die and material fluctuations for process reasons; different manufacturing tolerances and sheet thicknesses can be compensated for more easily.

The lines can use existing conventional press-hardening dies. Conversely, dies designed for PCHflex can be used on conventional lines.