IMBEL completes first TNT filling of 155 mm M107 shells at Juiz de Fora

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IMBEL reached a milestone at its new Juiz de Fora plant by completing the first TNT filling in M107 155 mm artillery shells. The operation is part of the facilities’ commissioning and fine-tuning phase, which covers operating processes, validation of equipment and systems, and production procedures under strict quality and safety standards.

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IMBEL’s first TNT filling of 155 mm M107 artillery shells at Juiz de Fora

According to Indústria de Material Bélico do Brasil (IMBEL), the 155 mm artillery shells were filled with molten explosive after passing through a preheating tunnel. “...At this stage, each shell was filled at the sprue, completing the filling process and releasing the assembly for the next phase...”, the company explained.

Process: controlled cooling and solidification of the explosive

Afterwards, during the cooling phase, the shells were set up to begin the explosive’s controlled solidification. “...This procedure ensures the formation of a charge free of internal defects, contributing to the quality, reliability and safety of the final product...”, IMBEL emphasised.

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New Brazilian capacity for heavy munitions production

IMBEL began expanding its heavy-munitions capabilities with the inauguration of the New Heavy Munitions Loading Plant at the Juiz de Fora Factory, an event held in July 2025. The opening of these facilities paved the way for mastering the underlying manufacturing technologies, which had previously been limited to a small number of international players.

In the opening speech, Colonel R1 Perazzinni, commander of the Juiz de Fora Factory, said the New Loading Plant project enabled a substantial increase in output, meeting modern quality and safety standards. “...In this way, not only was a new level of production capacity achieved for loading shells and warheads for munitions between 60 and 155 mm, including long-range munitions, shaped charges and the use of insensitive explosives, but also the nationalisation, independence and technical mastery of the systems capable of manufacturing them...”.

The results achieved will be important for strengthening this new industrial base, as they “...will serve as a foundation to improve operating routines, reinforce IMBEL’s productive capacity and reaffirm the Company’s commitment to excellence, safety and the quality of its products...”, IMBEL concluded.

Cover image for illustration purposes. Credit: Brazilian Army

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