Two Bühler Evolution B 420 D Die Casting Machines Successfully Relocated from Germany to Korea and Vietnam
In 2020, FISS carried out the dismantling, disassembly, packaging and international relocation of two identical Bühler Evolution B 420 D cold-chamber die casting machines, each with a clamping force of 4,200 t. The two large machines were transported from Germany to Korea and Vietnam.
Which Bühler die casting machines were relocated internationally?
FISS handled the relocation of two identical Bühler Evolution B 420 D cold-chamber die casting machines with a clamping force of 4,200 t each.
Since 2004, the machines had been used in multi-shift casting operations for the production of six-cylinder engine blocks. After the sale, they were dismantled, separated into transportable assemblies, documented, packed and shipped to their new production sites in Korea and Vietnam.
From a German automotive plant to new production sites in Asia
The two Bühler Evolution B 420 D machines had previously been used by a German automotive manufacturer and were to be sold on the international used-machinery market in 2020.
Through FISS's international network, contact was established with an Asian manufacturer looking for suitable die casting cells for the production of aluminium housings for 5G mobile communication networks at its sites in Korea and Vietnam.
Two used large-scale machines
After many years of automotive casting operation, the two identical Bühler machines were to be sold.
Use an international network
FISS supported the search for a suitable buyer for two die casting machines of this size.
Aluminium housings for 5G technology
At their new locations, the machines were intended for the production of aluminium housings.
From planning to shipment of the large machines
For die casting machines of this size, dismantling, heavy-duty handling, packaging and international logistics must be precisely coordinated.
Project planning
Machine weights, dismantling sequence, removal routes and the transport concept were planned in advance.
Peripheral equipment
Automation and peripheral equipment that were not part of the agreed scope of supply were dismantled first.
Main machines
The Bühler machines were then dismantled into heavy transportable assemblies.
Documentation
Components were labelled and photographed, while complex work steps were documented by video.
Transport
The assemblies were transported to Asia by truck, special transport and sea freight.
270 tonnes of machine weight require detailed heavy-duty planning
According to the project report, one Bühler Evolution B 420 D weighs approximately 270,000 kg. Individual assemblies therefore presented significant challenges even during removal from the production hall.
Secure the basement transport route with 100 ceiling supports
A structural solution had to be prepared for the removal of one particularly heavy machine assembly. Because there was a basement area beneath the transport route, the route was secured with a total of 100 ceiling supports.
Determine heavy component weights early
The weights of the individual assemblies must be known before dismantling so that suitable lifting and transport equipment can be selected.
Check the load capacity of transport routes
Hall floors, access routes and basement areas can be decisive factors when planning heavy-duty machinery removal.
Move machine assemblies in a controlled manner
The dimensions of the Bühler B 420 D required coordinated heavy-duty and lifting equipment.
Coordinate dismantling and removal
The disassembly sequence had to be coordinated with the subsequent movement and loading of the assemblies.
Around 30 employees working in multiple shifts
Dismantling in Germany began in March 2020. At certain stages, around 30 employees were involved. To maintain the project schedule, work was carried out in multiple shifts and also at weekends.
Start of dismantling
Work at the German production site began in March 2020.
Maintain the project schedule
Dismantling was organised across several work shifts.
Work on Saturdays and Sundays
Parts of the dismantling work were also carried out at weekends.
Peripheral equipment and automation first, Bühler machines afterwards
Equipment that was not part of the agreed scope of supply was dismantled first. This was followed by the KUKA spraying robots and the two main machines.
- KMA exhaust-air systems dismantled
- WEKO WE 2500 trimming press dismantled
- Temperature control units removed
- Dosing furnaces dismantled
- Ertl rough trimming systems removed
- Part-marking equipment dismantled
- KUKA spraying robots dismantled
- Bühler Evolution B 420 D machines subsequently disassembled
Good maintenance supports long-term value retention
According to the project report, dismantling of the clamping units revealed that important mechanical assemblies were in very good condition.
Good mechanical condition
The clamping platens were found to be in very good condition during dismantling.
Well-preserved mechanical system
The toggle system was also assessed positively during disassembly.
Regular maintenance pays off
The condition of the guide columns highlighted the value of regular maintenance and previous modernisation work.
Label components, take photographs and record complex steps on video
Detailed documentation was particularly important because technicians from the future operator were unable to attend the dismantling site due to the COVID-19 restrictions in place at the time.
- Label all dismantled parts
- Photograph machine components
- Document connections and interfaces
- Record complex dismantling steps on video
- Assign assemblies in a structured manner
- Document the dismantling sequence clearly
- Keep the customer informed about project progress
- Support reassembly with technical documentation
Eight open-top containers and five special cargo units per machine
After dismantling was completed, the assemblies were shipped to Asia via German seaports.
Open-top containers
Eight 40-foot open-top containers were used for each die casting machine.
Special cargo units
In addition, five large special cargo units were transported for each machine.
Heaviest transport component
At the destination, a component weighing approximately 65 tonnes had to be moved.
Weeks at sea
The shipped components were in transit for around six weeks.
Destinations
The machines were intended for production sites in Korea and Vietnam.
By truck and special transport to the port, then by sea
The first machine was transported by standard trucks and special transport to Hamburg and Bremerhaven and shipped from there to Korea.
Move machine assemblies to the seaport
Depending on dimensions and weight, both standard transport and special transport were used.
Combine containers and RoRo transport
Depending on the individual assembly, open-top containers, crates and RoRo transport were used.
Second machine temporarily stored before final delivery
The second Bühler Evolution B 420 D was initially placed in temporary storage near Landshut and was later successfully delivered to its new location in Vietnam.
Consider different transport regulations
A machinery relocation project does not end when the equipment reaches the destination country. The onward transport from the port to the new production site must also be coordinated with local regulations, road conditions and permitted axle loads.
In this project, a component weighing approximately 65 tonnes placed particularly high demands on transport planning in Korea and Vietnam.
Technical support from Germany
FISS was originally expected to support reassembly at the destination. Due to the COVID-19 restrictions in place at the time and for cost reasons, the customer ultimately decided to carry out assembly and commissioning using its own resources.
Reuse information from dismantling
Labels, photographs and video recordings support the identification of components during reassembly.
Technical assistance from Germany
FISS supported the customer technically from Germany during assembly and commissioning.
Relocating large machinery involves more than transport alone
For a die casting machine weighing several hundred tonnes, detailed project planning is essential to ensure that dismantling, removal, packaging and transport work together smoothly.
Separate assemblies into transportable units
The dismantling sequence must already take component weights, removal routes and subsequent transport dimensions into account.
Prepare for reassembly
Structured labelling makes subsequent assembly at the new production site easier.
Adapt the transport concept to each assembly
Container transport, special transport and RoRo can all be combined within a single project.
Consider local regulations
Transport requirements can differ significantly between the country of origin and the destination country.
International relocation of die casting machines and foundry equipment
FISS supports companies with the sale, dismantling, packaging, transport and recommissioning of used die casting machines and complete foundry systems.
- Long-standing experience with die casting machines
- International machinery brokerage
- Technical project planning
- Planning heavy-duty removal routes
- Mechanical and electrical dismantling
- Disassembly of large clamping units
- Labelling and documentation
- Professional machinery packaging
- Coordination of special transport
- International sea freight
- Temporary storage according to project requirements
- Support with reassembly and commissioning
Further solutions for die casting machines and machinery relocation
Buy and sell die casting machines
Used cold-chamber and hot-chamber die casting machines as well as complete die casting cells.
DismantlingProfessionally dismantle large machines
Planning, disassembly, documentation and preparation of complex machinery for relocation.
TransportInternational machinery logistics
Road transport, heavy-duty transport, packaging, sea freight and international site relocation.
Questions about the relocation of the Bühler Evolution B 420 D
Which die casting machines were relocated?
What clamping force do the Bühler Evolution B 420 D machines have?
How much does a Bühler Evolution B 420 D weigh?
What were the machines previously used for?
Where were the machines transported?
What new application was planned for the machines?
How many employees were involved in dismantling?
What was the main challenge during machine removal?
How was the dismantling documented?
How many containers were required?
How long did the sea transport take?
Did FISS also carry out the reassembly?
Can FISS also relocate very large die casting machines internationally?
Are you planning the dismantling and international relocation of a die casting machine or die casting cell?
Send FISS the manufacturer, model, year of manufacture, clamping force, machine weight, current location, destination, scope of equipment, available peripheral equipment, technical documentation and photos. Our team can support you with project planning, dismantling, documentation, packaging, heavy-duty transport, sea freight and recommissioning.
Telephone: +49 (0)7181 60696-0 · Email: info@fiss-machines.com
