Visualisation of a radial forging line from SMS group, similar to the one to be installed at Haynes International’s Kokomo site in IndianaHaynes International Inc, a leading US-based manufacturer of nickel- and cobalt-based alloys headquartered in Kokomo, Indiana, and part of
North American Stainless, a subsidiary of the
Acerinox Group, has commissioned
SMS group to supply a powerful hydraulic radial forging line. The project includes the SMX 800/25 MN hydraulic radial forging machine, reheating and annealing furnaces, and quenching equipment. The line will also feature a loading robot, cutting, unloading and bar-finishing equipment, providing a fully integrated, automated solution for high-performance alloy component production.
The investment will include a vacuum induction melting facility and forms part of Acerinox Group’s strategy to expand its global footprint in high-performance alloys. With this new hydraulic radial forging line, Haynes, together with North American Stainless, is expanding its production capability to serve demanding end markets such as aerospace and chemical processing in the USA. The project is scheduled for completion in 2027.
The SMX 800/25 MN radial forging machine will deliver 25mN (millinewtons) per forging cylinder, providing a combined total of 100mN pressing force — approximately 11,240 short tonnes. This enables the direct conversion of ingots into billets and bars for aerospace and other high-performance applications.
Superior force stabilityAt the heart of the SMX technology is a compact hydraulic drive system that reduces spatial requirements and improves energy efficiency. The machine will cut installed electrical power requirements by about 50% and peak power demand by about 60%, while maintaining constant pressing force, full process control and superior force stability. Hydraulic radial forging machines provide force over the entire stroke of the forging cylinder, enabling precise forming speeds and high core deformation for effective void closure and reproducible microstructures.
SMS group’s re-heating and annealing furnaces are designed to meet AMS 2750 tolerance and uniformity requirements. Equipped with low-NOx burners and an integrated recuperative system, they will ensure emissions remain below EPA standards while enhancing process efficiency.
Integrated with SMS group’s MIDIS production and control system, the forging line will enable operator-free operation. Advanced software tools, including Comforge, will optimise forging strategies by adapting to actual material behaviour, improving consistency and yield.
Thomas Winterfeldt, head of forging plants at SMS group, concluded: “We are proud to be building a high-performance hydraulic radial forging line for Haynes that shows our commitment to pushing the limits of capability and efficiency. The SMX hydraulic radial forging machine enables the forming of large, critical components for the aerospace industry.”