SMS Group commissions fully integrated forging line at Perryman

SMS group has successfully commissioned a fully integrated and automated forging line at Perryman Company’s site in Pennsylvania, USA. The new line, featuring a high-speed open-die forging press and a radial forging machine, significantly expands Perryman’s production capabilities—particularly in the manufacture of thicker titanium products for the aerospace and medical sectors.

The turnkey system, entirely supplied by SMS group, allows Perryman to produce titanium bars and plates in-house, replacing previously outsourced components. The new equipment includes a 40/45 MN open-die forging press and an SMX 500/15 MN hydraulic radial forging machine with two manipulators. Together with a sophisticated process and production control system, the setup is tailored to handle titanium ingots and produce bars in various shapes and lengths of up to 14 meters.

Central to the operation is SMS group’s MIDIS control system, which manages all production sequences across the line. Additional software tools, such as ForgeBase® and Comforge®, enable real-time process optimization by adapting forging strategies to the material's properties. The Smart Alarm and SMS-Metrics systems support predictive maintenance and early detection of performance anomalies, while the Maintenance Advisor ensures optimal machine uptime.

“The project demonstrates SMS’s unique capability to implement such complex, integrated systems,” said Klaus Opgen-Rhein, Project Manager at SMS. “From concept to commissioning, our expertise in mechanical engineering and automation enables solutions few can deliver.”

The line not only improves production efficiency but also enhances process reliability—key in industries with rigorous safety and quality standards. With a compact team of trained staff, Perryman can now produce previously outsourced titanium components, securing more control over its supply chain and product quality.

Dr. Thomas Winterfeldt, Head of Forging Plants at SMS, highlighted the collaborative nature of the project: “This installation shows how digital solutions are transforming forging technology. The strong cooperation between our teams has been crucial to this success and has further deepened the partnership between SMS and Perryman.”

Source and Photo: SMS Group