May 2022 Volume 4

AUTOMATION

Conclusion After something of a slow start, the forging industry is in the process of integrating “smart” and digital technologies to improve operational competitiveness, efficiency and product quality and consistency. The slow start has more to do with the prohibitively harsh environment under which forgings are made, rather than our industry’s lack of enthusiasm. The Internet of Things (IoT) integrates devices that can communicate with each other in real time and generates lots of data that can be mined in new ways. Data generated through advanced sensors can be shared across the entire manufacturing platform to provide more efficient and cost effective manufacturing environments. Software platforms that can model process technologies and predict workpiece properties and behavior in deformation have been helpful in the design of forging parts and processes. These platforms can also be used to examine data trends in real

viable way to enhance their operational efficiency. Perhaps the greatest testament is Damien Junkulis’ concluding comment: “We’re looking to use cobots even more in the future.”

time through Digital Twin technology, a technique undergoing research and evaluation in actual applications. Automationhas provedhelpful in improving the efficiency of forging operations and in compensating for inefficiencies or spot shortages in the COVID labor market. Automation investments are also a good way for a forge to begin its journey toward intelligent, state-of-the-art manufacturing.

Author Dean M. Peters has covered metal working markets, including the foundry, welding & industrial gas, heat treatment and forging industries for more than 30 years. His journalistic credentials are enhanced by his BS in metallurgical engineering, MBA in

finance and a decade of experience in market research. He can be reached by e-mailing info@ forging.org.

Dwayne from Eaton Steel works alongside UR Collaborative Robot while weighing cut billets. Courtesy of Eaton Steel Bar Co.

SOUTHWEST STEEL PROCESSING LLC YOUR SINGLE SOURCE FOR HIGH-VOLUME CUSTOM STEEL FORGING SSPFORGE.COM | (870) 523-8791

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Full range of heat treating services

Including quenching, tempering, normalizing, annealing and induction hardening.

CONTACT JUSTIN OWEN | JOWEN@PARK-OHIO.COM

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