HESSAPP VDM 1600 - 12

Railroad Wheel Machining Solution

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Proven railway wheel manufacturing machine

 

 

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VDM 1600 Overview

The Hessapp VDM 1600 is a vertical turning machine designed for turning, drilling, and milling operations. Its configuration supports heavy-duty machining applications and can incorporate multiple tool carriers, automatic tool changing, and integrated measuring systems.

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Purpose-Built for Railway Wheel Manufacturing

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Railroad wheels require substantial cutting forces, consistent machining accuracy, and reliable performance in demanding production environments. Hessapp VDM 1600 vertical turning center is engineered to address these challenges with a rigid machine structure, powerful spindle drives, and generously designed slide systems.

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The VDM 1600 is identified by Hessapp as a proven railway wheel manufacturing machine. Its heavy-duty design supports demanding cutting operations while its modular configuration allows the machine to be tailored to specific production needs.

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  VDM 1600 Powered for Wheel processing

• Proven vertical turning machine technology.

• Tool turret includes an automatic quick-change tool-changing system.

• Performance figures include up to 54,000 Nm and 170 kW 

• Available for manual and automatic loading.

• Parametric and flexibility features include:

  • Powerful geared spindle drive.

  • Double-side turret with one support for turning and milling.

  • Configurable machine designs with modular systems.

  • Chip conveyor and cooling systems.

  • High-pressure cooling.

  • Tool and tool-holder systems.

  • Quick tool changes using a variety of systems.

  • Chip flush and chip evacuation systems.

  • Different clamping designs to accommodate workpieces.

  • Automatic and manual loading.

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Hessapp VDM 1600: Hydropol Technology

The Hessapp VDM 1600 features HYDROPOL® Machine Bed and Base Technology

HYDROPOL® is a composite machine-bed construction developed by Framag, combining a steel casing with specially developed concrete.

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HYDROPOL® technology can provide:

• Tool-wear reduction of 15–20%.

• Improved surface quality through reduced machine vibration.

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Engineered for High Cutting Forces

Railway wheel machining places significant demands on machine rigidity, spindle torque, and slide stability. Hessapp addresses these requirements with a robust machine structure and generously designed vertical slides intended to absorb forces generated during heavy-duty cutting.

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Additional design features include:

• A thermally symmetrical spindle housing with circulating oil lubrication.

• Linear roller guides and linear measuring systems across the machine axes.

• A rigid machine bed available in mineral casting or welded construction, depending on configuration.

• An inclined machine-base design that supports efficient chip management.

• Integrated coolant and chip-conveying systems, with high-pressure cooling available as an option.

These features are designed to support stable machining, consistent accuracy, and reliable operation in demanding production environments.

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Automatic Tool Changing and Flexible Configurations

Production efficiency depends on more than cutting speed. Tool changes, setup requirements, and machine utilization all influence total cycle time.

The VDM 1600 can be equipped with automatic tool-changing systems.​

Single- or double-slide arrangements.

• Tool turrets with static or driven tools.

• Motorized tooling for turning and milling applications.

• Automatic tool-changing systems and tool magazines.

• Expanded machining configurations, including shuttle-slide designs.

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The result is a configurable platform that can be adapted to the required machining sequence rather than forcing every application into a fixed machine layout.

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Automated Railway Wheel Production Lines

For manufacturers producing wheels in high volumes, Hessapp can integrate vertical turning machines into automated production systems.

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The VDM platform supports manual crane loading as well as automated material handling, including gantry-loader arrangements. Complete systems can be engineered to coordinate multiple machining stations and other process equipment according to the production requirements.

Automation can help reduce manual handling, improve repeatability, and increase productive machine utilization. Additional equipment and process integration are defined around the specific application.

Hessapp's wheel-machining portfolio of installations involving multiple VDM machines and automated lines, including projects for complete machining of high-speed rail wheels.

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