Precise Machining Perfectly Matched to the Manufacturing Processes

The safe storage and transportation of nuclear waste place the highest demands on both the materials used and the way they are processed. CASTOR casks are typically made from high-alloy steels, which offer exceptional corrosion and heat resistance as well as outstanding strength.

High stability and rigidity of the machining equipment are essential to meet the demanding requirements involved in processing CASTOR casks and containers made from high-alloy steels for nuclear power generation. ŠKODA JS therefore decided to invest in a ProfiTurn H 3500/160 horizontal turning machine from WaldrichSiegen.
When machining workpieces with lengths of up to 11,600 mm, diameters of up to 3,200 mm, and maximum weights of up to 160 tons, maximum stability is crucial – especially when working with high feed rates and high-performance tools.

“The high-quality cast components of the horizontal turning machine impress with their exceptional resilience, rigidity, and stability – ensuring absolute precision even at the highest feed rates,” explains Martin Pilz, Area Sales Manager responsible for Austria and the SEE countries. “The robust design and hydrostatic guides effectively prevent vibrations from occurring – ensuring maximum rigidity and the best possible results under our customer’s demanding machining conditions.” The ProfiTurn H is also equipped with a movable boring bar and a multiple tool holder, ensuring that the large CASTOR casks can be machined optimally both on the outside and the inside. “The movable, damped boring bar is designed for internal machining up to 5 meters in length. The bar will have a diameter of 500 mm and a total length of approximately 7 meters,” explains Martin Pilz. A standout feature of the machine is the multiple tool holder, developed in-house by the Application Technology Department under the direction of Mr. Stefan Tschersche in collaboration with the Mechanics Technical Office – specifically for this customer. “In contrast to the outdated competitor lathe previously used for machining these components, the ProfiTurn H is equipped with a multiple tool holder and can machine several cooling fins for the storage containers simultaneously,” says Stefan Tschersche, Head of Application Technology at WaldrichSiegen.

“Both the narrow and wide contours, which have different radii and penetration depths, can be optimally machined. This drastically reduces the machining time.”
But it is not only the machine’s technical performance that impresses. As a specialist in customized special solutions, WaldrichSiegen is able to reconcile challenging spatial conditions with highly demanding technical requirements. “Despite the limited space in the production hall, we succeeded in installing the machine with absolute precision – without compromising on performance. This clearly underscores our position as the global market leader for large machine tools and bespoke solutions across all industries,” concludes Martin Pilz.