Schuler Selected as 2013 PACE Finalist

The manufacturer of innovative metal forming systems was selected for developing its hydroforming and global die standardization process.

Schuler Incorporated (Canton, MI) announced that it was selected as a 2013 Automotive News PACE Award finalist for its hydroforming and global die standardization process, which makes it feasible for more innovative lightweight designs of structural components for cars. The process helps automakers save materials, tooling and costs while standardizing component manufacturing for consistent and flexible global production.

The company’s extensive experience in hydroform design and production led it to develop the global standardized approach, which enables customers to design a part for a global platform and use the same process for the same part with the same die design in any hydroform system around the world.

As one of 33 innovations on the finalist list, this process is revolutionizing manufacturing in the automotive industry by stabilizing and lowering die cost development, increasing material utilization and taking advantage of its leading-edge ability to process emerging, high-strength steels for safer, more fuel-efficient and lightweight vehicles.

“As the global leader of metal forming systems and technologies, we’re honored to be recognized as a PACE finalist among some of the world’s most accomplished and well-known suppliers,” said Tim McCaughey, the president and chief executive officer of Schuler. “Through our globally standardized approach, Schuler is helping automakers meet stringent quality and performance standards while providing the flexibility, commonality, scalability and globalization for the design and production of automotive hydroformed parts.”

With its innovative hydroform designs, dies and processes, Schuler is setting new standards in low- and high-volume production manufacturing, making hydroforming more economically feasible than ever before. As automakers continue to seek lighter weight and advanced designs, Schuler hydroforming offers improved assembly time and accuracy, increased structural strength and the potential for zero-engineered scrap.

Since 2007, the company has offered full support for tubular metal forming by way of designing, engineering, prototyping and manufacturing — from concept to production — to help customers deliver a more competitive product.

In its 19^th year, the Automotive News PACE Award honors superior innovation, technological advancement and business performance among automotive suppliers, and is recognized around the world as the industry benchmark for innovation. Winners will be announced April 15, 2013 at the Max M. Fisher Music Center in Detroit, kicking off SAE World Congress. www.schulerinc.com