AP&T press hardening line.
Production lines

Press hardening lines

The AP&T press hardening line combines industry-leading presses, automation, furnace technology, tooling, and line control into one optimized production system. Designed for maximum productivity, uptime, and energy efficiency, the line delivers consistent part quality, rapid product changeovers, and low lifecycle costs. Optional AP&T TemperBox technology enables tailored mechanical properties within a single component, supporting lighter, safer, and more efficient vehicle structures.

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Press hardening line

About the product

Material loading and destacking for press hardening

Our destacking solution for press hardening is built on proven technology, ensuring robust performance, high repeatability, and fast, precise linear movements with high acceleration. Fully synchronized through advanced Siemens and LOGOS control, the system is easy to program with no robot expertise required, enabling efficient and reliable operation from day one.

Pin pallets are loaded onto carriers outside the destacker and positioned manually or automatically for production. The SpeedFeeder® handles blanks using vacuum tooling adapted for flat blanks, tailor rolled blanks (TRB), and tailor welded blanks (TWB), with lightweight, optimized grippers and automatic tool change.

Integrated double-blank detection ensures safe, calibration-free operation. Fast changeover and optional scraping functions further enhance flexibility, uptime, and overall productivity

Furnace solutions for press hardening

We design and manufacture our Multi‑Layer Furnace (MLF) inhouse.
Designed for heating up to approximately 930°C, the MLF supports both coated materials and operation with protective atmospheres. Electrically heated and modular in design, the number of chambers is tailored to the required production capacity, with heating time adapted to material thickness.

We also offer extensive experience integrating roller hearth furnaces (RHF) from multiple suppliers. These solutions can be electrically, gas, or hybrid heated, with strong expertise in both electrical and mechanical interfaces. Furnace length and configuration are adapted to capacity needs, with heating performance matched to material thickness.

Optimized linear feeders for press loading and unloading

Our press hardening transfer concept is based on well‑proven, modular standard units, ensuring flexibility, reliability, and high performance. Double SpeedFeeder® systems are used for both infeed and outfeed, enabling seamless synchronization with the press and maximizing overall line efficiency.

The system supports both transfer and pick‑and‑place modes. For high-speed operation, units run in transfer mode, while more complex parts can be handled by switching to a combined pick‑and‑place configuration.

Each unit is equipped with individual servo-controlled drives, delivering high speed, acceleration, and precise positioning. The rigid, lightweight gripper design is easy to adapt to customer standards, with fast and simple tool changes.

With more than 50 years of automation expertise behind it, the solution offers a robust, low-maintenance design with few components, high accessibility, and excellent availability for reliable, long-term production.

Press solutions for press hardening

With extensive experience in press hardening, we deliver highly reliable presses designed for maximum availability and consistent performance. Each press is configured for the full press hardening process, including hydraulic and pneumatic interfaces, die cooling, and connections for tool sensors.

The rigid press design ensures uniform contact pressure across the die, enabling stable forming and efficient quenching. Fully synchronized with the complete line, the press supports seamless operation and high overall productivity.

Flexible die handling is enabled through efficient die-changing systems, such as rigging plates or moving bolsters. Servo press technology provides smooth, energy-efficient operation, low noise levels, and precise control throughout the forming cycle.

Advanced features include controlled slide motion, force management for tools with gas springs, and continuous monitoring of slide parallelism for accurate, stable, and repeatable production.

Press hardening tooling

We deliver press hardening tooling through a global partner network, with full responsibility and consistent quality. Proven designs, advanced simulation, and optimized cooling strategies enable stable processes and precise geometry. Support for patch, TRB, and TWB solutions maximizes performance. Close integration with press and automation ensures high uptime and lifecycle efficiency.

Process and line control

Our press hardening lines are built on a fully synchronized process where presses and automation operate as one integrated system. Optimized movement patterns for both press and feeders ensure efficient material flow, high output, and stable production.

The entire line is controlled through a unified speed setting, simplifying operation and making the system easy to learn. Advanced control logic synchronizes all axes, enabling precise coordination between press slide and transfer systems.

Fast set-up and intuitive programming allow quick start-up and rapid introduction of new products. Automated optimization functions further improve performance during operation.

Integrated process monitoring ensures stable and reliable production. Key parameters such as temperature, quenching conditions, and blank position are continuously monitored, with deviations automatically logged and displayed. Optional systems such as hot spot detection and data logging provide enhanced process control based on our extensive application know-how.

Applications

Related applications

AP&T press-hardening line forming sheet metal.

Press hardening

Get in touch

Whether you have specific production needs or simply want to learn more about our solutions – we are here to assist. Get in touch and tell us what you need.

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