The Kazakhstan-based titanium and magnesium manufacturer UKTMP has ordered a compacting press for titanium sponge from Siempelkamp. UKTMP will use the new press to compact titanium sponge. With the help of a press, the titanium sponge is formed into compacts which are assembled to an electrode welded under a protective gas atmosphere. The electrode is remelted at least twice inside a vacuum arc furnace. The new press works in two directions, and has a press capacity is 2 x 80 MN and thus a specific forming pressure is obtained which is new to the forming of titanium sponge in large compacts. This leads to a higher firmness of the compacts which ultimately results in improved processability of vacuum arc re-melting. The Siempelkamp order includes the engineering, manufacture and delivery of the press, the hydraulic system, an automatic tooling system with various press tools as well as the complete system control with visualization. The scope of supply also includes the supervision of the installation as well as the startup and adjustment processes of the press. The press is scheduled to be delivered in June 2009, and the press tools in September of 2009.
