Explore the latest technology trends, career opportunities, and the people behind Schunk’s pioneering solutions

Oil quenching is a widely used process in heat treatment to achieve specific mechanical properties. It is essential for many components used in industries such as bearings, gears, and fasteners.  At the same time, oil quenching introduces its own challenges. One factor that is often overlooked is how the quenching oil interacts with fixture materials.  When porous materials are used, oil can enter the material structure during quenching. During subsequent heating cycles, this oil evaporates and can lead to soot formation and contamination inside the furnace.   Over time, these effects impact process stability, maintenance effort, and overall efficiency.

Since November 2025, the SLS 104 roof-mounted pantograph has been operating in regular service with Kölner Verkehrs-Betriebe (KVB). The real-world test highlights how pantograph charging systems are evolving—and what that means for day-to-day e-bus operations.

Electric buses are becoming standard in public transit systems across North America. As fleets continue to grow, transit agencies face increasing pressure to scale charging infrastructure that can keep vehicles running reliably throughout the day.  That is exactly what King County Metro is addressing in Seattle. The agency is currently expanding the charging infrastructure at its Tukwila Base depot with 123 inverted pantographs from Schunk Transit Systems. 

In the Pilbara region of Western Australia, two 14.5 MWh Battery Electric Locomotives (BELs) from Progress Rail, A Caterpillar Company, are now in regular operation. Charging is handled by four Schunk SLS 201 systems installed in parallel, providing up to 2.8 MW of total charging power. The installation brings megawatt-level charging into day-to-day heavy-haul rail service. 

In high-temperature processes such as vacuum brazing or hard soldering, material selection plays a critical role in both efficiency and cost-effectiveness. A factor often overlooked: the charge carrier system. This case study demonstrates why carbon fiber reinforced carbon (CFC) is not only a technical but also a financial advantage over conventional steel. 

Public transit electrification is accelerating across major metropolitan areas in North America. Transit agencies are investing in reliable, scalable electric bus charging infrastructure to support zero-emission operations while maintaining high service availability. A current reference project in Florida demonstrates how Schunk Smart Charging supports efficient pantograph charging for electric bus depots: the Miami-Dade Transit electric bus charging project. 

Silicon carbide (SiC) plays a key role in many high-tech industries – from semiconductors and solar systems to technical ceramics and abrasives. Its exceptional hardness and thermal resistance make it an essential material for demanding industrial applications. However, the downside is significant: conventional SiC production is highly energy-intensive and has a major carbon footprint. Producing just one ton of SiC can emit up to 4.2 tons of CO₂, driven by both chemical reactions and the electricity required for production. In a global market increasingly focused on sustainability and resource efficiency, this is a growing concern. This is exactly where the RECOSiC process comes in. Developed by ESK-SIC GmbH, a company of the Schunk Group, in partnership with Fraunhofer IKTS, RECOSiC enables the recovery of high-purity SiC from production residues – offering a significantly improved carbon balance and supporting true circular economy principles in industrial materials.

In industrial high-temperature processes, such as heat treatment in sintering furnaces, conventional materials like steel quickly reach their physical limits. Starting at around 800 °C, steel significantly loses strength and exhibits noticeable plastic deformation under mechanical load. This leads to sagging support structures and misalignment of components. The high thermal mass of massive steel components also extends heating and cooling times and results in considerable energy losses.

At the end of their first year, Schunk apprentices take part in a unique highlight: the social education week. It’s five days dedicated not just to technical knowledge, but to collaboration, responsibility, and personal growth.

The seminar is hosted by the HESSEN METALL education institute at its training center in Bad Nauheim. Schunk covers the entire cost of participation – including accommodation, meals, and fees. Each year, apprentices from multiple Schunk sites across Germany come together – from Heuchelheim to Oldenburg, from Willich to Thale. In 2025, a total of 78 apprentices took part.

“It’s truly rewarding to see how much our apprentices grow during this week. They make new connections, and through the varied content and business simulation, they really come together as a team – across locations and professions.”
Laura Weidmann, Head of Vocational Training

Improved range with the same battery, enhanced system robustness, and no reliance on critical raw materials – Schunk Mobility Carbon’s wet-running current transmission system for Externally Excited Synchronous Motors (EESMs) addresses key challenges in modern electric powertrain design.  The system, developed by a team at Schunk’s Bad Goisern site, is built to operate reliably in direct contact with cooling oil – a critical advantage for next-generation EVs. 

Space is a tough environment. Satellite components must withstand extreme temperature changes, vibrations during launch, and function reliably for years without maintenance. This is where silicon carbide (SiC) shows its strengths.  It offers low density, high stiffness, and remains thermally stable under changing conditions. Silicon carbide can also be processed to achieve highly precise optical surfaces, making it the ideal material for applications like satellite mirrors and structural parts in optical systems. 

In industrial heat treatment—such as hardening, sintering, or brazing—energy consumption and process stability are critical performance factors. Workpiece carriers and charging systems significantly influence both. While traditional steel designs often hinder efficiency due to their weight and limited thermal resistance, carbon fiber-reinforced carbon (CFC) charging fixtures offer a proven way to reduce energy input and improve overall process performance.

Careers take very different paths – sometimes straightforward, sometimes with exciting changes of direction. Both can be valuable. Because further development comes from new impulses, fresh experiences, and sometimes a change of perspective – whether within your own team, in a new role, or in a different location.   At Schunk, we offer exactly that: the opportunity to develop within the company – through an internal job change or a temporary assignment to another team or company.   What's so special about this? You remain part of the Schunk Group – and can still discover completely new areas of responsibility.

The electrification of public transport is a decisive step toward greater sustainability. More and more cities are turning to electric buses to reduce emissions and improve air quality. But success depends on charging infrastructure that is fast, reliable, and future-ready—both in depots and at bus stops. This is where the new SLS 104 roof-mounted pantograph from Schunk Transit Systems comes into play. 

Carbon brushes – also known as sliding contacts – play a key role in transferring electric current between rotating and stationary components. They’re an essential part of electric motors and generators, ensuring continuous electrical connection even at high speeds. From power tools to wind turbines, carbon brushes are everywhere. At Schunk, we develop advanced, application-specific carbon brush solutions based on decades of material expertise and in-depth industry know-how.

At Pier 400 in the Port of Los Angeles, one of the world’s busiest container terminals, a new high-performance charging system is now in daily use. In collaboration with Kalmar and APM Terminals, Schunk Transit Systems has implemented two Inverted Pantographs SLS201.401 to support the first fully electric straddle carriers in North America. The system enables automated, high-current charging (up to 1,200A)—ideal for demanding port environments with tight schedules and continuous operation.