SMS Meer GmbH (Mönchengladbach, Germany):

A. Holl, Dr. Eng., Development and Technology Dept., e-mail: albrect.holl@sms-meer.com
A. Nieschwitz, Dr. Eng., Forging Machines Selling Dept.
F. Knauf, Dr. Eng., Forging Machines Selling Dept.

The requirements of the open die forging industry are simple: high precision and productivity, perfect structural properties and flexibility in terms of use, batch size and unit production. In November 2011, Carpenter Technology ordered the world’s largest hydraulic radial forging machine from SMS for their new facility in Alabama, USA. Technical characteristics and operation principle of SMX 1100/22 MN radial forging machine are presented. The machine is able to forge starting material with a maximum weight of 10 000 kg and a maximum diameter of 1 100 mm, using maximum forging forces of 22 MN. In January 2014, this machine has been officially put into practice and 19 different products (bars and complicated shapes) made of 9 materials have been subjected to forging during the testing period. More than 80 % of these materials were nickel-base alloys, some special stainless steels and titanium alloys.
It was concluded that SMX 1100/22 MN radial forging machine is able to manufacture high-quality forgings made of different critical materials with high degree of efficiency and reproducibility. High productivity and large forging force provide quick and flexible reaction on varying market requirements.

1. Carpenter Technology, Athens, USA, www.cartech.com