AP&T supplies SkyLine to Honda to advance R&D in Japan
AP&T has received an order from Honda for a SkyLines press line for their R&D center in Japan. Designed for high precision and advanced flexibility, the line will support Honda in validating next-generation lightweight forming technologies as the industry transitions to electrification.
The automotive industry’s shift to electrification demands lighter, stronger, and more energy-efficient car body structures. For Honda, AP&T® SkyLines offers a platform to ensure that the newest press hardening technologies can be adapted and scaled for industrial use.
“What has really driven this project is mutual trust and a shared focus on innovation,” says Michael Hunger, Managing Director at AP&T Europe. “Honda has a strong vision for the future, and we support that with state-of-the-art technology that enables them to push the limits. This is more than delivering a machine, we are working side by side to develop the processes of tomorrow.”
Built in Sweden – adapted for Japan
Unlike a full-scale production line, the system is purpose-built for testing and validation. It allows for efficient trial runs while still replicating realistic forming conditions. The furnaces have also been specially tested to handle Japan’s high humidity and summer heat, ensuring consistent performance even under demanding climate conditions.
The press line – including a servo press – was developed and built in Sweden and then shipped to Japan. One of the biggest challenges has been adapting the design to Japan’s seismic conditions. Reinforced structures and detailed load calculations, developed together with Honda’s engineers, were required to ensure reliability and safety.
“We spent hours in technical discussions, running calculations and testing different scenarios,” Michael Hunger explains. “That’s where the partnership really came alive. We brought our technology, Honda brought their local expertise, and together we found the right solutions.”
Strengthening R&D for future mobility
Jun Yokoyama, Chief Engineer, Honda highlights the strategic importance of the collaboration:
“With AP&T we’ve found a partner who understands our technical requirements and shares our ambition to anticipate and meet the evolving demands of the automotive industry. This press line will be a vital tool in aligning our R&D efforts with the future needs of advanced press hardening,” he says.
The delivery also marks the beginning of a partnership between Honda, AP&T and Gedia. The three companies are committed to working together to develop new forming technologies that support lighter, safer and more energy-efficient vehicles.
AP&T 向本田供应 SkyLine 热成形生产线，助力日本研发进程
AP&T已接到本田订单，为其位于日本的研发中心提供一条SkyLines热成形生产线。该生产线专为高精度和高柔性而设计，将助力本田验证下一代轻量化成形技术，以应对汽车行业向电动化转型的趋势。
汽车行业向电动化的转型，要求车身结构更轻、更强、更节能。对本田而言，AP&T® SkyLines提供了一个平台，确保最新的热成形技术能够适应并规模化应用于工业生产。
AP&T欧洲区董事总经理Michael Hunger表示：“真正推动这个项目的是双方的互信和对创新的共同关注。本田对未来有着清晰的愿景，我们以最先进的技术支持他们突破极限。这不仅仅是交付一台设备，我们是携手合作，共同开发未来的工艺流程。”
瑞典制造——适配日本环境
与大规模量产线不同，该系统专为测试与验证而设计。它能够在模拟真实成形条件的同时，实现高效的试运行。针对日本夏季高温、高湿的气候特点，加热炉也经过了特殊测试，确保即使在苛刻的气候条件下仍能保持稳定性能。
该热成形生产线（包含一台伺服压力机）在瑞典研发并制造，随后运往日本。设计过程中面临的最大挑战之一是如何适应日本的地震情况。为确保可靠性与安全性，我们与本田的工程师共同开发加固结构并进行详细的载荷计算。
“我们花了大量时间进行技术讨论、运行计算并测试不同的方案。这正是合作伙伴关系发挥作用的真正体现。我们带来技术，本田带来他们的当地专业知识，携手找到了合适的解决方案。” Michael Hunger解释道。
加强未来出行领域的研发
本田首席工程师Jun Yokoyama强调了此次合作的战略重要性：
“AP&T是一个能够理解我们技术要求，并与我们一样致力于预见并满足汽车行业不断变化需求的合作伙伴。这条热成形生产线将成为我们调整研发工作、适应先进热冲压未来需求的重要工具。”
此次交付也标志着本田、AP&T与Gedia之间合作关系的开始。三家公司承诺将携手开发支持更轻、更安全、更节能汽车的新型成形技术。