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. As part of the strategic cooperation, ANDRITZ Schuler and WF Maschinenbau will present their joint system and process concepts at the international trade fair Eurosatory from June 15 to 19, 2026 in Paris.  

picture (right to left): Stefan Rasche - Sales Director WF Maschinenbau, Patric Winterhalter - Director Hydraulik Presses ANDRITZ Schuler, Beate Winkelmann - Beirätin WF Maschinenbau, Paul Thom - Sales Manager Hydraulic Presses, Christian Malkemper - CEO WF Maschinenbau