Sichuan Liuhe Forging Co. Ltd., a manufacturer of high-temperature and corrosion-resistant specialty steel alloys and superalloys in Jiangyou, Sichuan, China, ordered a high-speed open-die forging press from SMS group. The two-column, push-down machine with a table shifter and die-shifting mechanism, will incorporate a new radial forging function for open-die presses.
The maximum press force will be 50 MN (5,100 metric tons), and the maximum upsetting force will be 55 MN (5,600 metric tons.) The machine will be capable of forming parts with ± 1-mm tolerances on finished dimensions, including component parts for aerospace and large-scale steam turbines.
Sichuan Liuhe Forging produces semi-finished forgings, reinforcing rings, shafts, parts for turbine blades, and "supercritical" components for gas turbines.
The radial forging capability will be provided by SMS’ 650/50-MN X-Forging Box (XFB), which will convert the movement of the top tool in the open-die forging press into a radial movement of four tools in the X-Forging Box. At the same time, the maximum force of 50 MN will be evenly distributed among the four tools. The maximum initial pass section will be 650 millimeters.
The XFB will be capable of forging a range of quality round products with variable cross-sections. It will allow Sichuan Liuhe Forging to expand its product mix and quickly change between different types of products.
No modifications to the tool chamber or to the hydraulic-electrical connections are required to install the XFB, according to the developer
“With this investment in the open-die forging press, … we are raising our quality standards to an even higher level,” stated Hong Yuchun, vice-general manager of Sichuan Liuhe Forging. “We are also pleased that the enhanced press control system will mean lower production costs for us.”
Commissioning for both the open-die press and X-Forging Box unit are scheduled for Q4 2019.