Andritz Schuler & WF Partner on Precision Tube Forming

Foundation for coordinated process chains Andritz Schuler and WF Maschinenbau Enter Into Strategic Cooperation

2026-05-05 Source: Press release Andritz Schuler, adapted by 2 min Reading Time

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Andritz Schuler Pressen and WF Maschinenbau und Blechformtechnik have started a cooperation in the field of manufacturing high-strength, closed-base precision tubes. The objective of the partnership is to combine specialised forming processes in order to manufacture technically demanding hollow-body components for mission-critical applications more efficiently.

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(Source: Andritz Schuler) — 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
(Source: Andritz Schuler)

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 defence sector. The core technologies of both companies are combined: forging with hydraulic presses (Andritz Schuler Pressen GmbH ) with flow forming and necking-in (WF Maschinenbau und Blechformtechnik GmbH & Co. KG), 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.
Optimised material utilisation: Coordinated process steps maximise material utilisation. 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 defence 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 realise 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.

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