Undercarriages

thyssenkrupp is one of the largest manufacturers in the world of undercarriages and undercarriage components for chain-driven earthmoving machines. The high quality of the products is based on intensive research and development, and more than 90 years of experience.

Among other things, our specialists are researching the fracture mechanics of undercarriage components. Only in this way can our products satisfy the highest requirements. State-of-the-art test equipment ensures that the four production facilities in northern Italy use only materials that can ensure high quality and reliability.

• An electron microscope with up to 500,000-fold magnification, for example, can
  detect material inclusions and contamination.
• The chemical composition of an alloy is analyzed here using X-rays and
  a spectrophotometer.
• In addition, materials and components are tested in a climate chamber at extreme
  temperatures of -70°C and up to +200°C, meaning that the toughest operating conditions can be
  checked.
• Potential indications of stress and deformation are detected using the Finite Elements
  Method, well in advance of field testing.

thyssenkrupp also takes innovative directions when developing new products. The costly manufacture of metal prototypes is being replaced by rapid prototyping technology. Here, 3D models of the pre-production designs are created from layered paper in next to no time.

These development and testing stages allow thyssenkrupp to ensure that new applications can be more effectively and more rapidly positioned on the market.