RF - RADIAL FORGING  MACHINES

The new Radialforger type RF

Traditionally, GFM type SX machines are used for cogging large ingots, and for the production of long bars of round, square or rectangular cross sections, tapered or stepped shafts. GFM offer customer specific machines with manipulators and all required automation equipment.

 The new generation radial forging machines type RF combine the technologies of a mechanical eccentric press with that of a hydraulic press.

 The proven GFM developed machine control system and software provides great flexibility and ease of use. Inputting the dimensional, technological & work piece data and tooling data, will allow the automatic generation of a CNC forging program, also showing area reductions, feed rates, stroke rate of forging tools (variable on the new type RF) within the machine parameters and forging temperatures. Extensive finite element method simulations of the process in view of re-crystallization and grain refinement, as well as strain, stress and temperature distribution at each forging stroke have been taken into account.

Downloading the CNC forging programs from an external computer to the Radialforger control system memory will provide automatic operation, and ensures:

• -  100% repeatability of forging process
• -  Superior resultant material properties
• -  High output rates with close tolerances and best surface finish
• -  Accurate workplace temperature control enables long bars to be forged within
•     narrowest temperature windows
• -  Highest operational flexibility

 The basic concept of the new type RF Radialforger is the same as the original SX type in that there are 4 dies operating radially on the work piece at 90° to each other. The machine has the characteristics of full press load at any stroke position, due to the flywheel effect, very short contact time, and precise tool motion.

In the new Radialforger RF however, each of the four rams with forging tools is designed with an integrated hydraulic cylinder for adjustment of the forging dimension, which additionally has the function for variable stroke rates as well as for overload protection. This new machine concept is enlarging the technological possibilities to adapt the forging process for optimum results in addition to simplifying mechanics.