The Sendenhorst-based mechanical engineering company WF Maschinenbau und Blechformtechnik GmbH & Co. KG is celebrating the 30th anniversary of its pioneering hub patent. Originally developed for the automotive industry, this innovative technology continues to set standards in precision, efficiency and sustainability in the production of pulleys, clutch parts and transmission components. The patented hub-forming process revolutionized hub manufacturing three decades ago by eliminating costly and time-consuming methods such as welding, or multi-step pressing. Through advanced forming techniques, WF Maschinenbau enables the production of one-piece components with unparalleled strength and precision. A technological revolution in manufacturing The hub-forming process involves securing a raw part, such as a disc, in a specially designed rotating tool. Using forming rollers, the hub is shaped directly from the raw material without the need for other operations. The result is seamless, high-strength components. Key advantages of the process:

• Material efficiency: Up to 20% material savings by reducing the wall thickness.
• Increased strength: Work hardening during the forming process ensures superior mechanical properties.
• Flexibility: Suitable for a wide range of applications, from small automotive parts to robust components for commercial vehicles.
• Cost efficiency: Lower tooling costs and faster production cycles.

Industry-leading applications Originally developed for pulleys, the technology was quickly extended to other applications, including

• Air conditioning pulleys
• Transmission and clutch parts
• Vibration dampers
• Heavy-duty components for trucks and commercial vehicles

Today, the patented hub-forming process is an indispensable part of automotive and industrial production worldwide. Leading manufacturers use it to produce high-performance, lightweight, and sustainable components. Looking ahead ‘We remain incredibly proud of the impact this technology has made over the last 30 years,’ says Christian Malkemper, CEO at WF Maschinenbau. ‘Our hub-forming process has not only increased efficiency in production, but has also contributed to more sustainable production through significant material savings. We see great opportunities to continue this success story in the future.’ In the face of growing demands for efficiency and sustainability, WF Maschinenbau's patented process remains a key to cost-effective and high-quality manufacturing solutions.