Metallurgical Marvels & Mechanized Mastery Manifest Modernity

SMS group has marked a major milestone by commissioning a fully automated & integrated forging line at Perryman Company in Pennsylvania, USA. The new line includes two cutting-edge forging machines supplied entirely by SMS: a high-speed open-die forging press & an SMX hydraulic radial forging machine. This project is part of Perryman’s strategy to move from outsourcing to producing thicker titanium bars & plates in-house, which are critical for the aerospace & medical industries. By uniting mechanical strength & digital control, this line embodies a fusion of tradition & technology.

Precision Presses & Purposeful Processes Power Production

Central to this forging line is the 40/45 MN high-speed open-die forging press, built in the pull-down design, alongside the SMX 500/15 MN hydraulic radial forging machine equipped with two forging manipulators. These machines transform cast titanium ingots into high-quality bars of various shapes & lengths up to 14 meters. The radial forging machine refines the ingots forged initially in the open-die press, enabling precise shaping & size adjustments. This combination not only enhances efficiency but also ensures superior product consistency.

Integrated Intelligence & Informed Innovation Inspire Industry

SMS group integrated its process & production control systems seamlessly across the entire forging line, turning traditional forging into a smart process. The MIDIS system manages production sequences, supporting smooth, automated workflows & smart planning. Advanced technology packages, including ForgeBase & Comforge, configure forging strategies by analysing material properties & process parameters. Real-time data evaluation supports continuous optimization, making the entire process adaptive & intelligent.

Smart Sensors & Strategic Surveillance Safeguard Stability

To maintain reliability, SMS employs digital solutions like SMS-Metrics & Smart Alarm systems, which monitor machine performance & quickly detect anomalies to reduce downtime. The Maintenance Advisor supports preventive maintenance by analysing machine conditions, extending machine lifespan & ensuring uninterrupted production. These technologies create an environment where high performance & safety-critical precision become standard.

Collaborative Craftsmanship & Client Commitment Cultivate Change

“This project demonstrates SMS’s unique capability to implement such complex, integrated systems,” said Klaus Opgen-Rhein, Project Manager at SMS. “From concept to commissioning, our expertise in mechanical engineering & automation enables solutions few can deliver.” Perryman’s partnership with SMS has been instrumental, combining customer insights & supplier expertise to push technological boundaries in forging.

Titanium Transformation & Transition to Tailored Thick Products

The new forging line allows Perryman to expand its product range from thin titanium bars to thicker bars & plates, which were previously sourced externally. By bringing this production in-house, Perryman gains control over quality, reduces lead times & meets rising market demands. These products are vital for aerospace & medical applications, where safety & precision are non-negotiable. SMS’s integrated automation makes it possible to manage complex processes efficiently, even with a smaller workforce.

Forging Futures & Fostering Forward-Thinking Fabrication

“This installation shows how our digital solutions are transforming forging technology,” noted Dr Thomas Winterfeldt, Head of Forging Plants at SMS. “It proves how true partnership between customer & equipment supplier can push technological boundaries.” The new line demonstrates not just a technical upgrade, but a strategic shift in how forging can be managed intelligently to meet the highest standards of modern industry.

Key Takeaways:

• SMS group installed a fully automated forging line at Perryman, including an open-die press & SMX radial forging machine.

• Integrated control systems like MIDIS & ForgeBase optimize forging strategies with real-time data.

• Perryman now produces thicker titanium bars & plates in-house for aerospace & medical sectors.