From complexity to clarity: automated wheel hub production for trucks
OEMs in the truck industry demand high-quality, compliant, and traceable components—delivered at scale. For VDL TIM this meant building a line that capable of producing 72 different wheel hub variants (both disk and drum brake hubs).
Challenges in automated wheel hub production
- High product variety requiring flexible but reliable automation.
- Strict compliance demands on quality, safety, and traceability.
- Throughput and uptime pressure from OEMs.
- Logistics bottlenecks between machining and assembly.
VDL Steelweld’s automated wheel hub production line solution
VDL Steelweld designed and delivered a fully automated Industry 4.0 production line that combines CNC precision, smart quality control, and automated logistics. The result is a system that enables VDL TIM to scale production with confidence while maintaining full control over quality and compliance.
Industry 4.0 features of the wheel hub automation line
Precision & Traceability
- Six CNC milling stations bring casted hubs to exact tolerances.
- Laser-engraved IDs give every hub end-to-end digital traceability.
Smart Quality Control
- Inline porosity checks detect defects early.
- 3D measurement systems ensure accuracy across variants.
- Force-controlled pressing and cleanroom assembly safeguard critical components like bearings and seals.
Automated Assembly & Logistics
- Bearings, seals, clips, and sensor wheels are automatically pressed and mounted.
- Flexible assembly process based on variant requirements.
- An automated warehouse with 600 pallet spaces buffers production, decoupling logistics from machining and increasing uptime.
- Final swing measurements verify quality before hubs are automatically packaged, with minimal operator involvement.
Business impact: scalable and compliant wheel hub manufacturing
Scalable capacity to produce tens of thousands of hubs annually.
Full compliance with OEM and regulatory standards through traceable processes.
Higher efficiency & uptime thanks to integrated warehouse and reduced manual handling.
Future-ready flexibility to handle high mix, high volume, and evolving OEM requirements.
Value of automated wheel hub production for OEMs and Engineers
For engineers: this system proves that precision CNC, automated QA, and logistics integration can work together to handle complex product mixes.
For management: it shows how automation delivers scalability, compliance, and competitiveness in a demanding OEM supply chain.
Why VDL Steelweld is your partner in wheel hub manufacturing
Proven track record: delivered for VDL TIM, a trusted supplier in the truck market.
Built to the highest standards with ISO 9001, 45001, 14001, and 50001 compliance.
Take the Next Step
Want to see how Industry 4.0 can scale your own production?