Overview of the Seamless Rolled Ring Forging Process

When manufacturers produce seamless forged rings at factories, they implement rolling procedures on rolling mills. Each mill has different features, which shape rings that weigh a pound to 300,000 pounds.

The General Seamless Rolled Ring Forging Process

Workers begin the production process by choosing a metal that is pieced or upset so that a hollow doughnut can be formed. The doughnut is then heated to a high recentralization temperature and is placed above a mandrel roll. Next, the metal travels to the drive roll while under continuous pressure. It rotates frequently to decrease the overall thickness of the wall.

Variety of Configurations

Seamless rings are often manufactured in a variety of configurations. However, most factories produce cylindrical shapes and washer shapes. The height of the rings also varies. Some manufacturers produce products that are over nine feet tall.

Businesses have plenty of options when they select the thickness to height ratio. When a ring requires a greater proportion, manufacturers must use specialized processing equipment. Although seamless rings are designed in many shapes, a rectangle ring is the most popular shape. All complex or custom shapes are made with special tooling equipment.

Seamless Rolled Ring Forging Procedures

Manufacturers carefully select stock that is rounded and upset, then, the rings are punched and pieced. Once this phase is complete, the rings are ready for rolling procedures.

Manufacturers begin the rolling process by using an idler roll to apply pressure to the rings. The weight presses each ring firmly on the drive roll. Then, the diameter of each ring is carefully increased. The manufacturing process is complete once every ring reaches the desired size.