Hot Edge Detection (HED) allows for the collection of information on the shape change that takes place during forging in real time. Integrating HED will provide a reliable and automatic geometry measurement, which provides a better understanding of the microstructural evolution that takes place during forging.

You’re irreplaceable, indispensable and unique. You’re also one of the most stressful parts of your business. As the owner, you make all the critical decisions and bear all the risks. Here are some helpful tips for reducing your business’ dependence on yourself so it remains healthy and sustainable even in times of duress. 

Strojmetal, a European manufacturer of aluminum chassis parts, installed a 2,500-ton scotch yoke press from Schuler subsidiary Farina. It is the centerpiece of a line that is currently in operation at Strojmetal's new site in Bruntál, Czech Republic. Thanks to the kinetic energy recovery system, the power consumption of the GLK-type press is reduced by up to 40%, while the output increased. The machine is part of a fully automated line that also includes several industrial ovens and robots as well as another 250-ton press provided by Schuler subsidiary Beutler Nova for deburring the forgings.

SMS group received an order from China’s Jiangsu Pacific Precision Forging Company for a fully automatic closed-die forging press. The 31.5 MN eccentric press will enable Pacific Precision to forge aluminum chassis components on a larger scale. SMS group will deliver the press and the tools, which are specially designed for aluminum forging. Pacific Precision Forging, a worldwide supplier of precision gears and gear shafts, has been mainly focusing on steel forging. This investment in aluminum forging provides Pacific Precision with access to the automotive market segment for more lightweight designs. Commissioning of the press is scheduled for the second quarter of 2024.

Forged Solutions Group Inc. (FSG), a provider of complex, precision forged rings and closed-die products to aerospace and defense customers, acquired Steel Industries Inc. Headquartered in Redford, Mich., Steel Industries is a vertically integrated manufacturer of open-die forgings and seamless rolled rings for the aerospace, defense, space and industrial markets. Since 1913, Steel Industries has forged components for the most demanding end-use applications. Steel Industries offers forging, heat-treating, machining and finishing services.

If your furnace is a bottleneck in your operation, it may be time to consider adding a new one. This article reviews the basics of furnace structure and style, refractory selection and combustion design. It concludes with a recent case study.

In previous articles in this series, the key concepts and structures of developing a cost model were discussed. Important ideas to review are granularity, processes, level and special process cases.

You are ready to begin building your cost model, or perhaps you are in the process of electing/upgrading your ERP software and want to plan through how it will support your cost model. 

In prior articles (December 2021 FORGE and February 2022 Industrial Heating), we discussed the reasons behind the importance of understanding margins (price minus cost) for the seller of any product or service. Your Cost Model is the framework for calculating costs.

Sheffield Forgemasters signed up as a Tier One Partner with the University of Strathclyde’s Advanced Forming Research Centre (AFRC), part of the National Manufacturing Institute Scotland. The move will give the 200-year-old company, which was recently taken into public ownership, access to the AFRC’s research-and-development facilities focusing on emerging advanced manufacturing technologies such as residual stress, advanced furnaces and forging expertise in Industry 4.0 data analytics and modeling.