Hitachi Metals, Yasugi, Japan, has granted SMS group the final acceptance certificate (FAC) following the successful commissioning of its 90/108 MN open-die forging press. This is the largest four-column open-die forging press in push-down design that SMS group has built in the last 25 years. The plant operates with a forging force of up to 90 MN and an upsetting force of 108 MN. Hitachi intends to use the new open-die forging press to process temperature-sensitive materials, such as titanium alloys, tool steels, high-speed steels, and nickel-based alloys.
SMS group has devised a highly efficient, space-saving hydraulic system concept for the four-column, push-down press. High-speed forging is possible thanks to the 18 high-performance hydraulic pumps installed in the press. The twin pump arrangement, i.e. two pumps operated by one motor, makes the hydraulic system require distinctly less space.
With this new concept, only the die track needs to be replaced. The entire tool changing process is performed fully automatically. The scope of supply for the press also included a table shifting device, a die shifting device, and a die magazine.
