Göppingen/Sendenhorst, 24. April 2026. ANDRITZ Schuler Pressen GmbH and WF Maschinenbau und Blechformtechnik GmbH & Co. KG have entered into a cooperation agreement in the field of manufacturing high-strength, closed-base precision tubes. The objective of the partnership is to combine specialized forming processes in order to manufacture technically demanding hollow-body components for mission-critical applications more efficiently.
Integration of forging, flow forming and necking-in
The scope of the cooperation covers system concepts for the production of large-format metal cases or metal shells, as used across various industries, including the defense sector. The core technologies of both companies are combined: forging with hydraulic presses (ANDRITZ Schuler) with flow forming and necking-in (WF Maschinenbau), jointly meeting the highest requirements for ballistic precision and material strength.
Starting from forged preforms from ANDRITZ Schuler, further shaping is carried out using WF Maschinenbau‘s flow forming and hot spinning processes. This combination enables targeted improvements in material efficiency and manufacturing flexibility for the production of thin-walled yet extremely pressure-resistant tube components. „The cooperation with ANDRITZ Schuler allows us to integrate our technologies into higher-level system concepts. Together, we create the foundation for coordinated process chains in the manufacturing of large format metal cases, “said Christian Malkemper, Managing Director of WF Maschinenbau.
Advantages of the combined process chain
The integrated process chain of forging/pressing and flow forming/necking-in offers manufacturers of high-precision hollow bodies decisive economic and technological advantages:
· Integrated turnkey solution: ANDRITZ Schuler and WF Maschinenbau jointly provide a coordinated process chain, from preform design through to the finished hollow body.
· Reduced material input: Depending on the variant, raw material weight is reduced by up to 15% with a direct impact on material costs and procurement logistics.
· Optimized material utilization: Coordinated process steps maximize material utilization. Machining is reduced to a minimum.
· Reproducible internal geometry: Flow forming ensures a precise, process-stable internal contour of the shell, which is a fundamental prerequisite for ballistic reliability.
· Industrial scalability: Systems are designed for series production with high cycle-rate capability.
European manufacturing competency in focus
Against the backdrop of rising demands for industrial manufacturing capacities in the defense sector, ANDRITZ Schuler and WF Maschinenbau are bundling their expertise in a strategic partnership. Both companies have many years of experience in the development and manufacturing systems for demanding metal forming processes. „We see it as our responsibility to actively drive technological advancement. The aim of this cooperation is to offer our customers an expanded process spectrum in order to realize the technically and economically best solution for each application.“, said Patric Winterhalter, Director Hydraulic Presses at ANDRITZ Schuler.
Do you produce rotationally symmetric metal parts — wheels, drive and transmission components, precision tubes, pressure vessels, CNG and hydrogen cylinders, housings, nozzles or reflectors? WF Maschinenbau designs and builds the machines and complete production systems that form these parts without cutting; saving material, increasing strength and reducing weight.
We are more than a machine builder. In our own R&D Center we develop the right forming concept for your component, prove it on our machines, and deliver a series-ready, plug-and-play system. Manufacturers in Automotive, e-mobility, Aerospace, Hydrogen & Energy, Defence and Medical rely on WF Maschinenbau technology — some of them for over 30 years.
Our forming technologies:- Metal spinning — hollow bodies from a circular blank- Flow forming — high-strength, thin-walled parts, e.g. internally geared transmission components- Tube flow forming — precision tubes of unmatched wall-thickness accuracy- Necking-in — bases and necks for CNG and hydrogen cylinders- Patented hub forming — hubs on pulleys and gear parts
Why manufacturers choose WF Maschinenbau:- Up to 20% less material and weight — lower cost and CO₂- Higher strength and surface quality, near-net-shape, minimal machining- 24/7 reliability, 20-year spare-parts availability, up to 3-year warranty- A development partner from feasibility study to lifetime service
Not sure if your part can be formed — or whether it pays off? That's the best reason to talk to us. Send us your drawing or sample and our engineers will assess the forming potential and the business case, free of charge.
→ Request your forming feasibility assessment.
