According to SMS group, the 31.5/34-MN open-die forging press replaces an older, less efficient unit. The old press was disassembled and the new one installed and performance tested within 11 weeks, SMS group said.  

“With our new open-die forging press from SMS group, we can manufacture customized forgings of highest dimensional accuracy for our clients and expand our product mix even further,” said Götz Grimm, Gustav Grimm chief executive. 

SMS group said the press represents a company first a first — the unit is the first open-die forging press it has built using an additively manufactured component. In this case, SMS group printed the hydraulic manifold block.

“This new manufacturing technology enables not only the channels to be engineered for optimized flow but also the installation space and mass to be reduced as a result of the much more compact design,ˮ said Nina Uppenkamp, SMS group research and development engineer.