With a maximum press force of 8,000 kN (800 t) the digitally controlled straightening press manufactured by MAE, Erkrath makes it possible to straighten high-strength components with a diameter of over 300mm and a maximum length of 10,000mm. The accuracy of the straightening process is assured to within ca. .2mm.

The operative principle behind this straightening press - path-dependent guidance based on a sensitive movement of the press slide- guarantees that the straightening technique is especially gentle on the component. After fixing, the components are measured precisely and straightened in an electromotorical run adjustment and clamping system. Measuring instruments distributed over the entire length of the component are employed to assess the extent of radial deviations and the quality of straightening.

In its capacity as an all-purpose hardening plant, which has acquired special know-how in the field of large, heat-treated components, the Bochum Hardening Plant is with its new 8,000 kN-press now able to offer a service unavailable anywhere else in Germany. Above all our clients in the field of large equipment and machinery construction stand to profit from the new opportunities which this has opened up: Previously they were obliged to have their larger components - their shafts, for example - manufactured and hardened in several stages.

Together with the new protective gas facilities (for more details please see the section entitled "Case-Hardening of Large Components") and the new induction hardening facilities the straightening press combines to form an enclosed (heat-)treatment process. The induction hardening facilities are equipped to handle the case hardening of components weighing up to 16t and measuring as much as 10m; here, too, the entire process is electronically guided and - with the aid of infrared temperature measurements - continually monitored.