Tubular stabilizers, often referred to as “tubular stabilizers”, are essential components in modern mid- and luxury-class cars. They play a key role in the driving stability and handling of vehicles, especially in reducing rolling movements in bends or on uneven roads. Active roll stabilization systems, in which tubular stabilizers often act in combination with gearboxes or servomotors, significantly improve both ride comfort and dynamic performance.
In such systems, sensors constantly monitor the driving conditions. When cornering or changing direction, forces are exerted on the stabilizers to maintain vehicle balance and minimize roll. This is particularly important in the mid and luxury class, where a balance between sporty handling and a high level of comfort is required.
This technology adapts the suspension to the current driving situation at lightning speed, efficiently absorbs uneven road surfaces and minimizes rolling movements of the vehicle. In contrast to hydraulic systems, which constantly require energy, the electromechanical roll stabilization system only draws electrical current as required. This makes the system significantly more energy-efficient and environmentally friendly, while at the same time enabling a more precise and faster response to driving changes. (Source: Schaeffler). This capability is particularly important for vehicles in the mid and luxury class, where comfort and performance play a key role.
The manufacture of tubular stabilizers requires high-precision production systems, such as those offered by GFU Maschinenbau GmbH in Bitburg. GFU is a leading manufacturer in the development of systems for the production of such upset stabilizers. Particularly noteworthy is the technology of axial upsetting (partial wall thickening), which was developed by GFU Maschinenbau GmbH for the partial thickening of the pipe wall thickness at the ends or in the middle area of the stabilizers.
This upsetting of the ends has decisive advantages:
GFU Maschinenbau GmbH offers various hydraulic upsetting presses for the upsetting process, such as the HP 20, HP 40, HP 50, HP 100 and HP 200 model series. These hydraulic presses are designed to meet the specific requirements of pipe processing and guarantee uniform thickening of the pipe ends.
In addition to the hydraulically driven presses, GFU has also been offering electromotive screw presses from the TFM series, which are equipped with torque motors, for some time now. These innovative presses are characterized by high energy efficiency, faster cycle times and more precise process limits. Energy efficiency plays a key role here. These new systems are significantly more energy-efficient and therefore more attractive for customers in the long term compared to conventional systems. GFU therefore plays a key role in the transformation towards more environmentally friendly and cost-effective drive technologies for tube forming machines. GFU Maschinenbau GmbH offers the following electric motor-driven systems: TFM 50, TFM 100, TFM 150.
GFU Maschinenbau GmbH has established itself as a leading supplier of production systems for the manufacture of pipe stabilizers. Its advanced technologies, particularly in the area of upsetting the pipe ends, guarantee the high quality and durability of the stabilizers produced. The introduction of the energy-efficient, electric motor-driven screw presses in the TFM series also underlines GFU’s commitment to innovative and environmentally friendly solutions.
Thanks to these versatile and fast systems, GFU is an indispensable partner for the automotive industry. The stabilizers manufactured on GFU systems make a decisive contribution to the safety and stability of vehicles and meet the high requirements for comfort and driving dynamics in the mid-range and luxury segments. GFU Maschinenbau GmbH thus remains a key player in the field of stabilizer bar production, impressing with its innovation and quality.
Roll stabilization ensures that the vehicle remains stable in bends and does not lean strongly to the outside, which would otherwise be caused by the centrifugal forces that occur. This turning movement is called roll, which stabilizers specifically counteract. There are both passive and active stabilizers: passive stabilizers reduce roll mechanically, while active stabilizers use sensors and electronic controls to stabilize the vehicle in real time.
The pursuit of greater comfort and performance in modern vehicles often results in increased weight. The anti-roll bars are no exception. Tubular material is used in the manufacture of stabilizers to reduce the weight of the components to the required minimum while maintaining performance and thus ensuring driving stability.