Schuler supplies servo press line to BMW Mini subsidiary

Schuler has supplied a servo press line featuring ServoDirect technology to BMW’s Mini subsidiary in Swindon, U.K., for forming outer skin parts made of steel and aluminum.

The line, with a total press force of more than 11,000 tons and capacity of up to 18 SPM, is compatible with the automaker’s existing lines.

A blank loader feeds the individual sheet metal blanks. After the subsequent centering, the main forming of the blank takes place in the drawing station—a 2,500-metric-ton servo press.

In the five subsequent stations, different cutting and forming processes are used to create up to four high-precision parts at the same time. The slide movements of all presses can be adapted individually for each part to the forming process, the die, and the part transport.