Retrofit Frame Increases Forge's Tonnage Capability
Erie Press Systems has successfully engineered and installed a complete retrofit open die frame structure at Patriot Forge in Brantford, ON, Canada. The project required replacing the existing 1,250 ton Bliss press frame and designing a new structure that would be the same height, space, and sit on the same foundation while increasing its capacity to 1,650 tons. The new frame consisted of a base, crown, two columns, and pre-tensioned tie rods. Other critical components supplied were lower die lock components, redesigned gibs and wedges, gland flange, adapter plate, and guide fences.
Patriot will forge standard carbon, stainless and alloy grade ingots, billets, and bars weighing up to 40,000 lb in the new press.
Rock Solid Retrofit
"The finished press is rock solid and integrates with all of our existing components, including the mounting of the existing die slide and magazine," said Henry Hendriks, manager, engineering and maintenance, Patriot Forge Co. "We're very pleased with Erie's solution and the manner in which they engineered the additional capacity."
"This press design demonstrates our commitment to engineer and manufacture custom-designed press structure components that meet the high performance standards and robustness required in the forging industry," added Bill Goodwin, Erie Press sales manager. Erie Press Systems supplies custom hydraulic and mechanical presses and integrated systems for open and closed die forging applications with capacities from 500 to 15,000 tons (5 – 147 MN).
This press will produce forged step shafts, hubs and disks, seamless rolled rings, pot die products, gear blanks, and steam turbine rotors. The new press capacity will expand Patriot's base of business for demanding industries such as power generation, gas compression, oil and gas, nuclear, petrochemical, industrial equipment, aerospace, military, and commercial markets.
