Western Superconducting places order with SMS group for the supply of a high-speed open-die forging press and associated manipulators

Western Superconducting Technologies, Co. Ltd. (WST) in Xian, Shaanxi Province, China, has placed an order with the SMS group for the supply of a high-speed 63/80-MN two-column push-down open-die forging press with two integrated 25-t rail-bound manipulators and an 8-t mobile loading and unloading manipulator. The machine operates with a press force of up to 63 MN and a maximum upsetting force of 80 MN. Commissioning is scheduled for the end of 2017.

In future, high-quality semi-finished products for various industrial applications such as high-grade superconducting materials, e.g. titanium alloys for superconducting magnets for use in the aerospace industry, will be processed on this open-die forging press.

In addition to the open-die forging press, SMS group also supplies two rail-bound manipulators that are synchronized with the forging press to guarantee fast and precise handling of the forgings. The systems supplied by the SMS group will thus enable the very high stroke rates demanded by WST to be reliably achieved. An 8-t mobile manipulator will perform the loading and unloading of the press, so completing the logistical demands on the plant.

With this modern forging plant, the titanium producer will be able to expand the existing product range and further strengthen its key position on the international titanium market.

Western Superconducting forms part of the NIN COMPANY, itself part of the State Nuclear Power Technology Corporation / China (SNPTC).

In total, the SMS group has already sold more than 450 forging presses worldwide and is thus one of the world leaders in this sector.

Comparable two-column pull-down open-die forging press during loading with a mobile manipulator

Based on SMS Group information