SMS Group has completed the modernization of a SMX hydraulic radial forging machine at specialty steel and superalloy producer Aubert & Duval’s plant in Les Ancizes, France. The work improved equipment reliability and production efficiency while preserving existing product qualifications.
The contract was awarded in March 2024. The project included replacing the control systems, operator interfaces and hydraulic components, as well as installing SMS Group’s ComForge software for pass scheduling and material-property optimization. The work took 18 weeks: five weeks for installation and 13 for commissioning and production support. Key production parameters and existing piercing patterns were retained to keep approved manufacturing processes in place.
According to SMS Group technical data from 2017, the press has a forging force of 13 MN, handles ingots weighing up to 3.5 tonnes and has a maximum tool opening of 500 mm. Four hydraulically driven dies are arranged in an X configuration, enabling precise deformation and a uniform microstructure across the workpiece.
Separately, SMS Group said commissioning is under way on a 60 MN hydraulic closed-die forging press ordered in 2024 for Aubert & Duval’s Pamiers facility.
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