Intelligent radial forging technology suite
The ComForge® Forging Technology Suite assists you throughout the process, starting from pass-schedule calculation up to optimizing material properties. It consists of three primary applications: PassSchedule Calculator, PassSchedule Analyzer, and the recently introduced Property Predictor. This software provides solutions to address the key challenges in radial forging:
- Maximum process efficiency: Short forging times and energy saving by avoiding reheating cycles
- Improvement of microstructure: Ensure sufficient deformation in the workpiece’s core and surface for a fine-grained recrystallized microstructure
- Closure of pores and voids from casting: Closing and welding of inner pores to prevent the formation of cracks
The newly developed ComForge® Property Predictor, is our advanced technology module within ComForge®, which allows a detailed calculation and analysis of radial forging processes regarding the material properties.
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ComForge® PassSchedule Calculator
With data on over 200 materials, the ComForge® forging technology suite has everything required for calculating relevant pass-schedules for all customers. This provides plant owners with a comprehensive database for trouble-free and technologically proven forging processes. The automation system monitors and controls all the plant components, control devices and sensors. These include, for example:
- Forging sequence from start to finish
- Geometry during the process
- Forces and temperatures
- Time for each pass and the total forging process
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ComForge® PassSchedule Analyzer
The PassSchedule Analyzer is employed for evaluating the captured machine data from the SMX (such as speed, ram position, forces, etc.) to detect deviations between the planned pass-schedule and the actual forging process. Following this, these deviations are compared with the intended pass-schedule to determine if there are any significant impacts on material properties.
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ComForge® Property Predictor
The Property Predictor is capable to predict the decisive workpiece properties within seconds. It is designed as stand-alone technology solution but can also be directly linked with PassSchedule Calculator. This allows, for the first time, a process design and optimization based on the final properties of the workpiece to become feasible.
Main features:
- Calculation and visualization of the strain distribution along the cross-section of the workpiece
- Calculation of the temperature distribution in whole workpiece considering radiation, convection, tool contact as well as heating through dissipation.
Benefits
- Comprehensive database for trouble-free and technologically proven forging processes
- Various forging strategies for the production of round, square and rectangular bars using different tool sets
- Temperature and strain distribution in radial forging within seconds for any given pass-schedule
- Economic benefit by enabling shortening process chains, reduced personnel requirements and so reduction of safety margins within the process