SMS Open-Die Press for Chinese Aerospace Supplier

Western Superconducting orders high-speed press and manipulators Titanium alloys, high-tech materials Forming superconducting magnets for aerospace Press force, 64 MN / upsetting force, 80 MN

Robert Brooks

Dec. 21, 2016

2 min read

Western Superconducting Technologies Co. Ltd., a titanium alloy and high-tech materials manufacturer in China’s Shaanxi Province, ordered a high-speed open-die forging press from SMS Group, to process titanium alloys and other materials to form superconducting magnets for aerospace applications.

Established in 2003 in the city of Xian, WST manufactures titanium alloy products for aerospace, medical, energy source, military, mechanical engineering, transportation, traffic, petrochemical, and automotive industries. In addition to forgings, it markets bars, billets, sections, flat bars, rings, rods, wire, plate, and ingots. Products are distributed in China, India, Japan, and Australia, as well as in North America, South America, Europe, China, India, Japan, and Australia.

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A two-column, pull-down open-die forging press of a comparable design by SMS, during loading with a mobile manipulator.

The 63/80-MN, two-column press — the press force will be 63 MN, with a maximum upsetting force of 80 MN —is scheduled for commissioning late in 2017.

In addition to the open-die forging press, SMS also will supply two rail-bound manipulators that will synchronize with the press for fast and accurate handling of the forgings.

The press and manipulators are developed with an eye toward very high stroke rates, according to the WST order.

An 8-mt mobile manipulator will load and unload parts from the press.

SMS noted it has sold more than 450 forging presses to operations worldwide.

About the Author

Robert Brooks

Editor/Content Director - Endeavor Business Media

Robert Brooks has been a business-to-business reporter, writer, editor, and columnist for more than 20 years, specializing in the primary metal and basic manufacturing industries. His work has covered a wide range of topics including process technology, resource development, material selection, product design, workforce development, and industrial market strategies, among others.

Currently, he specializes in subjects related to metal component and product design, development, and manufacturing—including castings, forgings, machined parts, and fabrications.

Brooks is a graduate of Kenyon College (B.A. English, Political Science) and Emory University (M.A. English.)