Speaker
Description
Radial forging is a pivotal incremental forming process for manufacturing high-performance components with superior mechanical properties, particularly for aerospace applications and semi-finished products in medical engineering. Due to narrow processing temperature windows, strain-rate sensitivity, and stringent requirements regarding microstructural integrity, titanium and nickel-based alloys pose significant challenges to process management. To enhance process efficiency, ensure reproducible quality, and reduce energy consumption, this paper presents the latest developments by SMS group in the fields of automation, process technology, and machine drive concepts. Particular focus is placed on a novel forging strategy ("2+2 forging") as well as an energy-efficient drive concept for hydraulic forging presses and radial forging machines.
The current challenges in radial forging can be categorized into four primary areas of action: First, process reproducibility requires precise control to ensure consistent component quality and homogeneous properties. Second, the shortage of skilled labor intensifies the need to reduce operator dependency and design highly automated, robust operations. Third, energy efficiency must be improved to mitigate rising energy costs and reduce the carbon footprint through lower energy consumption and reduced connected electrical loads. Fourth, the requirements for material properties continue to increase, necessitating innovative forging techniques to achieve microstructural homogeneity, fine grain size, and exceptional material performance in titanium and nickel-based alloys. To address these challenges, SMS group has developed an automated forging line alongside a new, energy-efficient drive concept for hydraulic forging presses and radial forging machines. In combination with proprietary forging strategies, this system enables the attainment of superior material properties resulting in improved grain size, which were validated with several forging trials.
| Speaker Company/University | Dr. Martin Wolfgarten, SMS group GmbH |
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