The hot part transport conveyor used in the forging industry is a heavy-duty type of transport system that allows metal billets or pre-forging parts heated to high temperatures (usually 900–1250°C) in induction furnaces to be transferred to the forging press, rolling mill or the next process station without losing their thermal properties and deformation.
These conveyors are designed to be resistant to high temperatures and impact loads and are generally manufactured as chain, pallet or rotary table types suitable for the forging process. The carrier components are made of heat-resistant steel alloys and are equipped with special bearing systems against thermal expansion. Frequency-controlled drive motors, optical sensors and automation systems are integrated into the conveyor system so that the parts can be transported at the desired speed and order.
This system both increases human safety in the production line and minimizes energy losses and non-process times by optimizing hot part transfer times.
Types and Shapes of Parts to be Transported
Metal parts used in the forging process are generally divided into the following categories:
- Cylindrical Billets (Billet, Block)
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- Dimensions: Diameter Ø20 mm – Ø300 mm, Length 50 mm – 1000 mm
- Weight: 1 kg – 150 kg
- Material: Carbon steels, alloy steels, stainless steels
- Area of Use: Shaft, axle, shaft production
- Flat Sheets and Plates
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- Dimensions: 100 mm x 100 mm – 500 mm x 500 mm
- Weight: 5 kg – 200 kg
- Material: Low and high carbon steels, stainless steels
- Area of Use: Machine parts, flanges
- Pre-Formed Parts (Near-Net-Shape)
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- Dimensions: Ø50 mm – Ø500 mm
- Weight: 10 kg – 250 kg
- Material: High strength forged steels
- Area of use: Engine parts, gear boxes, flanges
- Ring Rolling
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- Dimensions: Inner diameter 200 mm – 1500 mm, thickness 10 mm – 200 mm
- Weight: 5 kg – 300 kg
- Material: High temperature resistant steels
- Area of use: Bearings, aerospace industry parts
Production Capacity and Transport Requirements
The transport capacity of the conveyor system should be determined according to the pace of the production line and the characteristics of the parts to be transported.
| Parameter | Sample Values |
|---|---|
| Piece Quantity | 100 – 500 pieces/hour |
| Maximum Load | 10.000 kg/hour |
| Conveyor Width | 600 mm – 1200 mm |
| Conveyor Speed | 0.1 – 1.0 m/sn (adjustable frequency controlled) |
| Working Time | 24 hours / 3 shifts |
| Maximum Temperature | 1250 °C |
The conveyor system can be supported by slide rails, chain holder mechanisms or special pallet transport elements, taking into account the temperature and shapes of the parts to be transported.
Parts Requiring Special Conveyor Design
- Curved or conical shaped forged parts: Side guides should be added against the risk of falling.
- Large diameter rings: Require special sorting and guiding mechanisms.
- Thin and long parts: Carriers that provide equal load distribution should be used to prevent bending.
