The defense industry is experiencing dynamic growth. Anyone expanding their capacity in this industry has little room for learning curves. New market entrants are expanding their portfolios, while established companies need to ramp up production quickly and reliably. SCHUNK supports the industry as a partner with scalable solutions and understands the stringent requirements of the sector. We translate specific requirements into robust clamping and automation concepts. We draw on our many years of experience, including in the automotive sector, to ensure rapid ramp-ups, high process stability, and a swift transitions to series production. That’s the SCHUNK effect: Proven solutions ensure a smooth production ramp-up, high process stability, and consistently high component quality.
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Experience the SCHUNK effect
- Fast ramp-up, stable processes
Whether you’re entering the market or expanding capacity, our proven clamping and automation concepts enable structured ramp-ups with high process stability. Ready for production right from the start. - Consistent quality under demanding conditions
In the defence industry, every detail matters. We ensure the quality of safety-critical components through reproducible, robust processes. From raw parts to finished components. - A partner throughout the entire process chain
From standard products to customized solutions: We support defence projects throughout the entire process chain, developing solutions that are precisely tailored to your needs.
Land systems
Precision that stands the test of time – in any environment
As part of the current rearmament effort, production capacity for land-based systems is being significantly ramped up across Europe. The demands placed on the components are high: extreme loads, tight tolerances, and uncompromising reliability.
At SCHUNK, we support the production of these safety-critical components with precision clamping technology—ensuring stable processes, high repeatability, and production that scales with increasing volumes.
Machining large components
Turret rings
Large-diameter ring components with tight tolerances regarding roundness and runout are sensitive to conventional clamping forces. Our MAGNOS radial-pole chuck provides deformation-free, process reliable clamping while ensuring full machining accessibility.
Gun barrels
The ability to safely absorb high axial and radial forces is crucial when machining gun barrels. SCHUNK ROTA lathe chucks ensure maximum stability, precision, and process reliability and are available in either manual or power-operated versions.
Gun barrel mounts
The mount for the gun barrel is critical when it comes to precision and has high requirements for bore accuracy and run-out accuracy. The ROTA-ML flex 2+2 lathe chuck provides self-centering, even, and process-reliable clamping, even when there are deviations in the workpiece.
Gearbox casing
The gearbox housing of military vehicles combines complex cast geometries with tight tolerances on bearing bores and mating surfaces. Our KONTEC clamping devices ensure stable, repeatable clamping – even in areas with limited accessibility.
Your added value for process-reliable manufacturing of land-based systems‑
- Durability for the toughest demands
Our well-designed clamping solutions reliably handle even complex geometries with consistent repeatability. - Efficiency throughout the process chain
Short set-up times and stable processes boost productivity, even as production volumes increase. - Process reliability for safety-critical components
Reproducible accuracy builds trust, from single-unit production to mass production.
Request solutions for land-based manufacturing systems
Ammunition
From ramp-up to series production – and no compromise on quality
The growing demand for artillery ammunition requires rapid and reliable expansion of manufacturing capacities. At the same time, high production volumes, tight tolerances, and consistent component quality also need to be ensured.
SCHUNK supports manufacturers throughout the entire process chain with clamping technology, gripping systems, and automation solutions. By selecting the appropriate clamping technology, it is possible to optimally accommodate a variety of workpiece geometries, machining tasks, and machine designs. This lays the foundation for cost-effective, productive, and reliable manufacturing, even as production volumes increase.
Processing large-caliber cartridge cases
Blank clamping: mechanical sliding-jaw mandrel for ammunition cartridge case, Ø155
Robust workpiece clamping for demanding machining tasks. Three clamping points ensure stable workpiece clamping, high clamping forces, and reliable manufacturing.
External clamping: mechanical chuck for ammunition casings, Ø120
Precise tension on the pre-machined outer contour for reliable power transmission. Robust, repeatable, and designed for stable machining processes.
External clamping: ROTA lathe chuck with hydraulic expansion centering Ammunition casing Ø120
Precise positioning using hydraulic expansion toolholder technology, combined with floating O.D. clamping for varying workpiece diameters. The result: maximum run-out accuracy and reliable torque transmission.
Handling large-caliber cartridge cases
Flexible multi-grippers
Flexible multi-grippers allow different types of sleeves to be handled simultaneously. This reduces cycle times, increases throughput, and maximizes manufacturing flexibility.
Your added value for process-reliable manufacturing of ammunitions
- A systematic ramp-up
Clear process structures and proven clamping and gripping concepts enable a controlled and rapid production ramp-up that is ready for series production right from the start. - Scalability with automotive experience
Proven concepts from the automotive industry enable rapid and reliable upscaling, which is consistently adapted to the specific requirements of ammunition manufacturing. - Developed with customer insights
Our clamping and gripping solutions are developed in close collaboration with our customers, whose real-world operational experience is directly incorporated into the development process, ensuring results that are proven in practice.
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Process optimization
Greater efficiency. Less downtime. More stable processes.
Efficiency is key to competitiveness. In the defense industry, rising production volumes are coupled with the highest standards for quality, flexibility, and on-time deliveries. Therefore, it is not only high-performance machines that are crucial, but also optimized processes throughout the entire manufacturing chain. Whether it's set-up time reduction, clamping technology, process monitoring, or automation: SCHUNK delivers proven real-world solutions that boost your productivity, reduce idle time, and enable you to make efficient use of your capacity.
Deformation-free due to magnetic clamping technology
Magnetic clamping technology enables low-vibration, deformation-free clamping of components made of high-strength defense and armor steels. Large clamping surfaces improve accessibility and reduce set-up times. After the machining process, no residual magnetism remains in the workpiece.
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Reduced set-up time
Set-up time minimization as a success factor: VERO-S is the universal interface for your manufacturing needs. VERO-S can be adjusted to any machine for manual or automated processes, be it a 3-, 4- or 5-axis machining center, compact machine or portal machine.
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The right toolholder mounting for every application
For hard-to-reach areas with TENDO to TRIBOS to Slim 4ax, SCHUNK offers the ideal solution for every machining task. The result is maximum precision, high process reliability, and cost-effective manufacturing of defence components.
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Flexible capacity scaling
Expanding production capacity requires robust and efficient processes. Automating ancillary processes can significantly increase production volume and equipment availability. SCHUNK supports these efforts with customized solutions for clamping technology, gripping technology, and workpiece handling.
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Powerful clamping technology
High-strength armor steels, quenched and tempered steels, and complex welded assemblies place high demands on the clamping process. With high clamping forces and a robust design, KONTEC clamping technology enables the safe and precise machining of a wide variety of defence components. This results in stable processes, high component quality, and maximum productivity.
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Qualifying and optimizing processes
Challenging materials and complex machining processes require process transparency.
With iTENDO² and SEISMO, process data can be collected and analyzed directly at the tool or workpiece. This allows for targeted optimization of machining parameters, early detection of process deviations, and sustainable improvement of tool life, component quality, and productivity.
Discover iTENDO²
Your added value in process optimization solutions
- Less idle time, more runtime
Quick-change pallet technology in combination with the appropriate clamping technology shortens set-up processes and increases the flexibility of your production. - Increase productivity
Precise clamping devices and powerful toolholders enable stable machining and more efficient cutting parameters. - Stabilize processes, prepare for scaling
Consistent clamping and gripping concepts lay the foundation for stable and repeatable processes, and enable them to be scaled up and automated efficiently.
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Experience the SCHUNK effect:
Request a non-binding quote and let's get started together!
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Global Business Development Defence
