Nakamura boosts high-alloy forging efficiency with new SMS ultra-high-speed press

Japanese forging specialist Nakamura Iron Works has signed the final acceptance certificate (FAC) with SMS group for a newly installed 12.5-meganewton ultra-high-speed open-die forging press at its Komaki City facility in Aichi Prefecture, Japan.

The investment is designed to strengthen Nakamura’s capacity for processing demanding, temperature-sensitive materials such as nickel, titanium, copper, aluminum, stainless steels, and other high-alloy grades. The new press significantly increases productivity while reducing energy consumption, reheating cycles, and overall production costs.

It is the second major forging press supplied to Nakamura by SMS. The companies previously collaborated on an 80-meganewton open-die press, which has been in successful operation at the same site since 2006.

With a forging speed of up to 205 strokes per minute, the new machine is tailored to the fast and efficient forming of high-performance alloys including Inconel, titanium, and copper. The ultra-high-speed capability allows more material to be processed in fewer heat cycles, improving yields and enabling more consistent metallurgical quality.

According to SMS, the press is equipped with an innovative hydraulic compact drive system that requires 50% less installation space than conventional hydraulic drives while also lowering energy demand. This compact design was a key factor in the project, particularly given the limited space available at Nakamura’s urban production site.

Digitalization also plays a central role in the new installation. SMS integrated its ForgeBase process control technology, which enables pre-calculation of pass schedules and optimized forging strategies based on a database of more than 200 material types. The system supports fully automatic operation but can be seamlessly switched to semi-automatic or manual mode when required, providing flexibility for complex forgings.

In addition, Nakamura opted for SMS’s software-as-a-service (SaaS) digital package to enhance transparency and equipment reliability. The package includes SMS-Metrics for process data acquisition and Smart Alarm for real-time fault monitoring. Together, these tools support proactive maintenance planning and faster troubleshooting, helping to maximize plant availability.

“The combination of high-speed mechanical performance, compact, energy-efficient drives, and digital tools enhances Nakamura’s ability to produce temperature-sensitive forgings at higher throughput,” said Alexander Schander, Head of Sales Forging Presses at SMS.

Nakamura Iron Works is widely regarded in Japan for its expertise in difficult-to-forge materials used in aerospace, energy, and advanced industrial applications. The company expects the new press to further strengthen its competitive position in these high-value markets.

Source and Photo: SMS Group