Forming electric car parts

Header image: The ID.3 is based on the modular electric drive matrix (MEB) developed by Volkswagen. © Volkswagen

The A-pillar and sill of the new Volkswagen ID.3 electric car are being produced on a hot stamping line by supplier Snop in Klášterec in the Czech Republic. The ID.3 rolls off the line in Zwickau (Germany). Outer body parts for the ID.3 are also being produced on Schuler machines, such as the press line which Schuler will install at the Volkswagen site in Zwickau this spring.

Commissioning of the hot stamping line took place in summer last year. The 1,200 metric tons press hardening system comes with blank loader; oven to heat the blanks to 930 degrees Celsius; three-axis twin feeders for rapid transport and dies to form and cool the parts. Schuler's PCH ("Pressure Controlled Hardening") technology offers short cycle time of up to eight seconds for lightweight as well as high-strength components.
 

The ID.3 is based on the modular electric drive matrix (MEB) developed by Volkswagen. The special model ID.3 1ST, with power of 107kW and a top speed of 160 km per hour, has a range of up to 420 km and will be delivered in summer 2020. In addition, there will be models with a range of 330 and 550km.

Schuler offers technology in all areas of forming – from networked presses to press shop planning. The product portfolio also includes automation and software solutions, dies, process expertise and service for the metalworking industry. Presses from the Schuler Group mint coins for more than 180 countries. The company is majority-owned by the Austrian ANDRITZ Group.