Germany’s Saarschmiede commissioned a 120-MN open-die forging press supplied by SMS Meer. The press has a force of 12,000 metric tons and can forge workpieces at up to 1280C (2336F). The press is installed in a 15.5-meter-deep pit and is driven by 16 hydraulic pumps with 120,000 liters of oil. Two DDS manipulators with a carry force of 100 and 200 metric tons move the forgings synchronously. The press has created approximately 350 new jobs.

The forged products are primarily large shafts for driving turbines and generators in nuclear, coal-fired and gas-fired power stations. The shafts produced on this forging press can withstand higher temperature and pressure conditions. As a result, the energy yield can be increased thanks to higher efficiency.