Cold and hot forming machines

Abstract This paper reviews die forging in Germany, discussing: the development of die forgings, cold forgings and warm forgings; the development of machines for massive forming and of their automation, flexibilization and control; the requirements of such machines, in particular considering their stiffness requirements and presenting the stiffness and tilt coefficients of existing presses of different construction; and forging plants, including flexible forging plants with robots. Several different types of press are described and illustrated. The paper concludes with consideration of the trends of development that can be expected in the flexible forgings plants of the future, these encompassing: greater requirements in accuracy; the flashless forging of new materials, requiring simpler heat treatments; controllable stroke and forming speed, temperature compensation and automatic offset and tilt compensation; handling, transport and tool changing systems; and tool logistics.