LATEST INFO ABOUT BIHLER

Bihler at Blechexpo - Trade fair Stuttgart - November 7 - 10, 2023

Now you can manufacture linear stamped and formed parts in mass production even more precisely - using the new generation of Bihler modular high-performance linear tools. Stop by our booth at Blechexpo 2023 and experience for yourself the many advantages of the rigid forming modules featured on the Bihler LM 2000-KT linear machine.

We will also be demonstrating our latest digital services and products - including the new “Bihler Animation.” With this exciting new digital tool, you can easily visualize and completely animate your manufacturing processes. If you want to add even more value to your production efforts, we encourage you to ask about our ability to conduct virtual commissioning and plant training on a digital-twin version of your Bihler machine. And we hope that you’ll ask us about the latest features of the VC 1 control, and of our bNX design software.

Please come and visit us at our booth 6208 in hall 6 - we look forward to seeing you!

TechDay at Dräxlmaier

Halblech, 26.07.2023 - At the TechDay on 17.07.2023 at Dräxlmaier in Vilsbiburg, the participants experienced a concentrated load of high-tech.

In six technical presentations, the Bihler team presented the latest developments and trends. These covered the benefits of standardization in stamping and forming technology, the exploitation of value-added potential with Bihler technology, the integration of various welding processes into manufacturing solutions, and the comprehensive support & service for Bihler users. In their presentations, the speakers from automotive supplier Dräxlmaier highlighted their requirements for a machine and system supplier. In addition, they offered an outlook on the future of their company.

Intensive knowledge transfer

There were information stands for all the main topics of the presentations, where an intensive exchange of knowledge took place during the breaks. CMC Engineers was also present and provided insights into the digital Bihler world. "For Bihler, it was a premiere to hold a TechDay of this intensity at a customer's premises," sums up Martin Lehmann. "We are already drawing a very positive balance and are trying to win over further customers for events of this kind."

Virtual commissioning of Bihler plants

Halblech, 14.06.2023 - Bihler creates digital twins of complex manufacturing solutions and commissions the entire system virtually in advance. This allows the machine to be configured optimally, increases the quality of the software and ensures fast, smooth initial commissioning and optimization of the production system.

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Successful Bihler Forums 2023

Halblech, 05.05.2023 - The four Bihler Forums this year were very well attended. In Attendorn, Barcelona, Birmingham and Gothenburg, participants learned first-hand how they can use Bihler technology to make their production more material- and energy-efficient and best position themselves for future projects. In addition, the participants also used the events for an intensive exchange of experience and networking.

A big thank you to everyone who took part.

You can find all event and trade fair dates here.

70 years Bihler machines

Halblech, 15.03.2023 - UFA 1, KRM, RMP 25, BSA 45, ORM 0 or GL 3000. Who still remembers the old types? It's been a while. All these machines have contributed to the success story of Bihler.

At the very beginning the machines still seemed simple in their construction. But even then, the basic concept was the same as in today's stamping and forming machines. Many things have been improved and optimized over the decades. The result are pioneering manufacturing systems such as the GRM-NC, the BIMERIC Modular or the new LM 2000 linear machines. What has remained unchanged is the unique "Bihler quality". What really lies behind all the abbreviations and numbers?

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70 years of success in the market

Halblech, 29.01.2023 - This year, Bihler celebrates its 70th anniversary. Seven decades in which we have helped our customers succeed with creativity and passion. This is reason for us to be proud of what we have achieved and to face the challenges of the future with unwavering optimism.

Today‘s company and the history of Bihler are inseparable from the founding father Otto Bihler. A pioneer straight from the book. A man who lived his American dream in the Allgäu. Learn more about the life of Otto Bihler and the beginnings of our family business.

Click here for the article

One platform, two technologies

Halblech, 01.11.2022 - The LM 2000 platform is the latest addition to Bihler's portfolio of stamping and forming machines. The machine platform is available in two variants, the LM 2000-KT and the LM 2000-NC.

These two machines are state-of-the-art, linear machine tools that use cams or servo units in the production of stamped or formed parts from strip material. The LM 2000-KT is designed for use in medium- and large-size batches, while the LM 2000-NC is intended for use in small- and medium-sized batches. Where classic mechanical stamping and forming machines are limited to the use of only individual tools, the LM 2000-KT and the LM 2000-NC are fully tool-compatible with standard linear tools - such as LEANTOOL Linear - or with parts from LEANTOOL Linear, or with the user's linear tool standard.

In accordance with the ‘plug & produce’ concept, you can simply transfer your stamping and forming tool - one-for-one - and can then immediately continue production. The machines offer cycle rates of up to 500 1/min., and with a total machining length of 2,000mm on the machine plate enabling fast setup and rapid changeover, you will realize maximum added value in your production activities.

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New Bihler Modular Series - Plug & Produce

Halblech, 01.11.2022 - The new Bihler Modular Series helps you to master the ever-increasing demands inherent in production activities. The Modular Series offers five of the latest generation of highly standardized machine types.

All of the machines are equipped with uniform interfaces in the forming areas, and as a result, they are fully compatible with one another in terms of the linear stamping and forming tools that are used. That compatibility adheres to the "plug & produce" principle, and provides you with machine-independent use of each of the tools - thereby significantly reducing the variety of solutions and machines you would need. If your production requirements should change, either in terms of batch size, or in terms of further processing steps, you have the ability, at any time to reuse, transfer, or adapt the forming tools between the five machines.

The flexibility of the machines represents an opportunity for an enormous savings in terms of production planning effort. It also provides a stable basis for more efficient job planning, and it enables you to utilize your machinery to full capacity. In addition, a uniform design guideline enables you to develop any necessary forming tools - quickly and easily - and independently from the machine itself.

The new "b on top 2022" is online

Halblech, 18.11.2022 - Given the aftermath of the pandemic, increasing raw material and energy prices, supply chain shortages, and now the conflict in the Ukraine, many companies are taking a cautious approach to the future. However, I am convinced that despite these difficulties, the economy will not stand still. That is why it is my advice that now is the right time to move forward with strategic projects and invest pro-actively for the future. The crucial element is to become more competitive.

How well we manage our resources plays a vital role as to our success. Whether it is in the form of employees, raw materials, energy, or expertise – it is essential that resources be utilized in a strategic, focused way. The challenge is to make optimum use of available resources, while creating greater value added. To best support our customers, we at Otto Bihler Maschinenfabrik are continuously developing new, innovative machine and process technologies, as well as solutions to enhance the performance of existing processes, to ensure effective resource management and energy-efficient production. Where this success can lead you can be seen in the articles of this edition of b on top.

Mathias Bihler
(Partner and Managing Director)

Click here to read the online issue

New manufacturing dimensions with linear tool technology

Halblech, 15.10.2022 - At EuroBLECH 2022, you can witness the newest manufacturing capabilities in Bihler linear tool technology. Bihler will proudly present - for the first time - the LM 2000-KT and the LM 2000-NC - the next generation of standardized linear machines.

The cam / servo-controlled LM 2000-KT and the LM 2000-NC are designed to offer the widest range of applications, and the maximum in performance capability.  A total machining length of 2,000mm is available on the machine plate, enabling fast setup and rapid tool changeover.  

With the new modular Bihler product line, and its application of the “plug & produce” concept, the manufacturer can, depending upon their requirements, simply transfer their linear stamping and forming tool - one-for-one - to the appropriate machine. They can then immediately resume production, saving both time and costs, and optimizing the usage of their machine park.

Click on the image and experience our trade show appearance.

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Bihler at WIRE 2022 - Efficient automation solutions for wire manufacturing

Halblech, 27.05.2022 - Look to Bihler technology to enhance your production and to increase your profitability in the future. Our modular, standardized machine and tool technology offers you efficient automation solutions for a wide range of wire forming manufacturing processes for many types of products - including, for example, such items as hairpins made of enameled flat wire, or sophisticated tension strap hangers made of steel wire. You will have the chance to view this advanced Bihler technology "live" at our booth at the WIRE Trade Fair.

You will also have the chance to see the new "Bihler Cockpit" digital tool, which is being exhibited for the first time. The “Bihler Cockpit” allows you to analyze your production processes easily and quickly, and to fully utilize the valuable optimization potential your Bihler machines offer. And the optimized bNX "forming study" is now even more intuitive and safer to use with new developments.

Click on the image and experience our trade show appearance.

Efficient automation solutions for e-components

Halblech, 09.11.2021 - Otto Bihler Maschinenfabrik has been offering modular platforms and technologies for the production of e-components for central components in the drive, battery and power supply to the market for many years.

These include automated solutions for battery cell and module connectors completely mounted in carrier frames, ZSB circuits in hybrid motors, shielding sleeves for charging plugs, conductor rails and bus bars for power distribution and hairpins, connection pins and I-pins for stators. Hairpin technology in particular enables the type-flexible mass production of drive motors for electric vehicles in cycle times similar to those of a combustion engine. The use of hairpin-shaped coil segments and a high degree of automation makes it possible to manufacture high-quality stators.

The new White Paper "Electromobility" will explain:

• How hairpins can be manufactured flexibly and economically using Bihler servo technology.
• The competitive advantages offered by standardized and modular machine and tool technology in the production of e-components (shielding sleeves, bus bars).

Here you can download the White Paper free of charge.

German Ski Association tests skis on Bihler equipment

Halblech, 29.06.2021 - To ensure that our DSV skiers race down the mountains even faster in the future, the Bihler team developed a special machine for the perfect racing ski.

At the 2021 World Ski Championships in Cortina, the German racers impressed with four medals at once. This is the result of the conscientious work of the ski pros, their coaches and, for a good two and a half years, the DSV Technology Center in Berchtesgaden. Here, specialists are working on how to further improve the mechanical properties of the racing material. Since the beginning of June, Bihler's new TBM 1 torsion bending machine has been making a decisive contribution. The special machine, nicknamed "Ski-Tobi", forms the first step towards the perfect racing ski. It simulates a wide variety of force influences on the ski and thus provides important, technical data on the various models. This data provides information on how a new model behaves in comparison to a tried-and-tested one - without the need for test runs on the slopes. In this way, it is possible to determine in advance which athlete will achieve the best results with which model.

From left: Alpine skiing athlete Dominik Schwaiger, Karlheinz "Charly" Waibel, head of the DSV Technology Center, Mathias Bihler and Alpine skiing athlete Josef Ferstl.

Article in "b on top": Interview with Wolgang Maier, Alpine Director of the DSV

Modernize your machinery!

Halblech, 21.01.2021 – Upgrade your existing Bihler machines for new tasks. With the cost-effective BC R Retrofit package, this can now be done quickly and easily in three steps:

- We deliver the required machine components to your site.
- Service technicians will then retrofit your machine and install the BC R control system.
- Commissioning and approval.

Time required for the entire process: approximately one week!

The advantages of doing the retrofit: The machine is up to date, with full spare parts support, and as an option, network-capability for the digital age.

More info about BC R

A passion for Bihler technology

On September 21-22th Swedish and Danish Bihler technicians met for a reunion in Denmark. The eight men are managers, tool designers and tool makers with an overall experience of more than 300 years in Bihler technology.

They have come together regularly every year since 2003, one year after their mentor Fini Malmros so tragically passed away. All of them have a background at Lesjöfors Fjäder AB. Today some of the members are at Lesjöfors and others are in other businesses, but still, with connections to Bihler. The team thanks Roland Nielsen for hosting them in Denmark.

Front row: Guiseppe Campora Denmark, Mr. Finn Rasmussen Denmark and Mr. Jonny Andersson Sweden.
Rear row: Mr. Roland Nielsen Denmark, Mr. Bjarne Petersen Denmark, Mr. Stig Nord Sweden, Mr. John Sörensen Denmark, Mr. Bengt Persson Sweden.

Bihler runner-up at the Best of Industry Award

Halblech, 03.07.2019 – Bihler took second place in the Best of Industry Award in the metal forming category for its newly developed LEANTOOL system.

This time, a total of 31 companies from eleven categories were put forward for the vote with their innovative products and solutions. The decision was made by a jury of experts from industry and research and the trade editors of "MM Maschinenmarkt", as well as more than 17,500 private voters, each with a 50 percent share.

The jury of experts and the Bihler voters were impressed by the many advantages of the standardized modular tool system. With the LEANTOOL system, users can now realize their new tools for stamped and formed parts from strip material more easily, twice as quickly and up to 50 percent more cost-effectively. In conjunction with the GRM-NC automatic servo stamping and forming machine, they benefit from very fast "time to market" and highly flexible production.

Image (from left: Oliver Barthel (MM Publisher), Christoph Schäfer, Marc Walter, Mathias Bihler (Managing Director), Pedro Gato López

Learn more about the LEANTOOL

Supplier Innovation Award for Bihler and Schürholz

Halblech, April 29th, 2019 – At this year's Brose Technology Days in April, Otto Bihler Maschinenfabrik GmbH & Co. KG and Schürholz GmbH received the Brose Supplier Innovation Award.

The two companies received this award from the world's fourth-largest automotive supplier in recognition of their outstanding innovative achievements and excellent cooperation. Together with Brose, Bihler and Schürholz developed a pioneering production technology for manufacturing housings for actuation motors. Bihler's modular BIMERIC servo system served as the platform for a wide variety of machining and assembly processes such as stamping, bending, laser welding and the patented joining of covers and housings. The innovative combination of these processes has led to cost reduction, material saving and weight reduction.

Mathias Bihler, Managing Partner at Bihler, emphasizes: “The award highlights the great innovative strength of the Old Economy in mastering essential issues such as material efficiency”.

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