Shield Tunneling Machine

Product Specifications

Technical details and manufacturing context for Shield Tunneling Machine

Definition

A shield tunneling machine is a sophisticated piece of heavy construction equipment designed for excavating tunnels with a circular cross-section through soil and rock. It simultaneously excavates the tunnel face, removes the excavated material (muck), and installs prefabricated concrete segmental linings to form the permanent tunnel structure. This process provides continuous ground support, minimizing surface settlement and ensuring worker safety in challenging underground environments. The machine is typically used in urban infrastructure projects, such as metro systems, road tunnels, and utility tunnels, where surface disruption must be minimized. It operates by advancing a shield (a cylindrical steel shell) that supports the surrounding ground while excavation proceeds. The cutterhead, equipped with cutting tools, rotates to break up the ground, and the muck is transported to the rear via a screw conveyor or other systems. The segment erector places precast concrete segments to form a ring, which is then sealed. Hydraulic jacks push against the installed lining to advance the machine. Key parameters include diameter (3.5–15 m), maximum thrust (3000–100000 kN), cutterhead torque (2000–20000 kNm), advance rate (10–80 mm/min), total installed power (500–5000 kW), operating temperature (-20–50 °C), IP rating (IP54–IP65 per IEC 60529), cutterhead drive power (200–2000 kW), machine weight (200–3000 t), tunneling accuracy (±50 mm), and cutterhead speed (0–6 rpm). These values are reference ranges and must be confirmed for the specific model and application. The machine is constructed from high-strength steel, tungsten carbide, and hydraulic and electrical components. Always verify model-specific values and standards with the legal manufacturer or supplier.

Working Principle

The machine operates by applying thrust from hydraulic jacks against the installed tunnel lining to push the cutterhead forward into the ground. The rotating cutterhead, equipped with cutting tools, excavates the soil or rock at the tunnel face. The excavated material (muck) is transported from the cutting chamber to the rear of the machine via a conveyor system. Simultaneously, a segment erector places precast concrete segments to form a ring, which is then sealed. The hydraulic jacks then push off this newly installed ring to advance the machine, creating a continuous cycle of excavation, muck removal, and lining installation.

Common Materials

High-Strength Steel, Tungsten Carbide, Hydraulic Components, Electrical Components

Technical Parameters

Parameter	Typical range	Notes & selection driver
DiameterRequired	3.5–15 meters	The external diameter of the cutterhead and shield, determining the tunnel size.
Maximum ThrustRequired	3000–100000 kN	The total force the machine's hydraulic jacks can exert to advance the cutterhead.
Cutterhead TorqueRequired	2000–20000 kNm	The rotational force applied to the cutterhead for excavation.
Advance RateRequired	10–80 mm/min	The typical speed at which the machine progresses through the ground.
Total Installed PowerRequired	500–5000 kW	The combined power rating of all electric motors driving the machine's systems.
Operating Temperature	-20–50 °C	Extended range available with special seals
IP Rating	IP54–IP65	Higher rating for dusty or wet environmentsIEC 60529
Cutterhead Drive Power	200–2000 kW	Proportional to torque and speed
Machine Weight	200–3000 t	Depends on diameter and configuration
Tunneling Accuracy	±50 mm	Horizontal and vertical alignment
Cutterhead Speed	0–6 rpm	Variable speed for different ground

Ranges are indicative industry figures for RFQ preparation, not a supplier commitment. Confirm every value and standard with the legal manufacturer before ordering.

Components / BOM

Cutterhead
Rotates to excavate soil and rock at the tunnel face using cutting tools (disc cutters, picks).

Material: High-strength steel with replaceable tungsten carbide cutting tools.
Main Bearing Part
Supports the massive rotating cutterhead and transfers thrust and torque loads.

Material: Forged steel with specialized roller bearing elements.
Thrust System
Provides the forward force to advance the machine by pushing against the installed tunnel lining.

Material: Hydraulic cylinders (jacks), high-pressure hydraulic lines, and pumps.
Screw Conveyor
Transports excavated muck from the pressurized cutting chamber to the belt conveyor system.

Material: Abrasion-resistant steel with variable speed drive.
Segment Erector
Handles, positions, and locks precast concrete segments to form the tunnel lining ring.

Material: Steel framework with hydraulic manipulators and vacuum lifters.
Tail Skin Seal
Creates a watertight and pressure seal between the moving shield and the stationary tunnel lining.

Material: Multiple rows of wire-brush seals with grease injection systems.

Industry Taxonomies & Aliases

Commonly used trade names and technical identifiers for Shield Tunneling Machine.

Manufacturers of Shield Tunneling Machine

1 company lists this product among what they make. Company figures are quoted from each company's own website; every card states where the relationship came from.

SBM (Shibang Industry & Technology Group Co., Ltd.)

Shanghai, CN

Also makes: Pipe Jacking Machine, Vibrating Screen, Vibrating Feeder and 8 more

Listed on the company's own website · profile compiled by CNFX from public sources

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the typical diameter range for a shield tunneling machine?

According to the directory reference, the external diameter of the cutterhead and shield typically ranges from 3.5 to 15 meters. The exact diameter depends on the tunnel design and must be confirmed for the specific project.

What standards are referenced for the operating pressure and IP rating?

The operating pressure range is 1.0–1.6 MPa, and the IP rating of IP54–IP65 references IEC 60529. These standards are for verification purposes; compliance must be confirmed with the manufacturer.

How does the machine maintain ground support during excavation?

The shield provides immediate support to the surrounding ground, and the installation of precast concrete segmental linings forms a permanent structure. This continuous support minimizes surface settlement and ensures safety.

What are the key parameters to consider when selecting a shield tunneling machine?

Key parameters include diameter, maximum thrust, cutterhead torque, advance rate, total installed power, operating pressure, temperature range, IP rating, cutterhead drive power, machine weight, tunneling accuracy, and cutterhead speed. All values are reference ranges and must be verified for the specific model.

Data Basis

Editorial classification, named public sources where available, and source-reviewed manufacturer records.

Preliminary Technical Classification

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pressure:	Up to 10 bar
flow rate:	100-500 m³/h
temperature:	-10°C to 50°C
slurry concentration:	20-40% solids by weight

Product Specifications

Industry Taxonomies & Aliases

Industrial Ecosystem & Supply Chain Structure

Application Fit & Sizing Matrix

Reliability & Engineering Risk Analysis

Compliance & Manufacturing Standards