A new press line for Škoda’s main Mlada Boleslav plant is claimed to be among the most modern and environmentally friendly of its kind in Europe.
Through energy recovery and storage, the servo press line is said to be up to 15% more efficient than older, comparable systems, while also being faster and more precise.
Go deeper with GlobalData
Discover B2B Marketing That Performs
Combine business intelligence and editorial excellence to reach engaged professionals across 36 leading media platforms.
The new system includes several innovations compared to conventional presses. The most significant is the use of servo motors working in a decentralised fashion. Whereas a large motor once ensured the operation of an entire line, today 14 more efficient servo motors perform this task. Another benefit is extremely flexible adjustment of the individual processes along the PXL line.
There are benefits to changeover times too. These have been reduced from 14 minutes to only three. The handling of moulds sometimes weighing 60 tonnes is performed by an automated crane system. Furthermore, the new line is said to be easily maintained as it does not employ conventional components such as a flywheel and a clutch/brake module.
The Mladá Boleslav manufacturing complex recently began building a new generation of the Octavia hatchback, as well as the Škoda Rapid and SEAT Toledo twins. The Octavia Tour and the Fabia are also made at this plant, which is adjacent to the company’s headquarters.
Author: Glenn Brooks
