SMS group has completed the modernisation of Aubert & Duval’s SMX hydraulic radial forging machine at its Les Ancizes facility in France, upgrading the equipment’s electrical control and hydraulic systems to support reliable, high-quality production. Commissioned in March 2024, the project was completed within an 18-week construction period, replacing ageing components with advanced technology while retaining the existing machine structure.
Aubert & Duval, a manufacturer of high-performance steels and superalloys, operates the SMX machine supplied by SMS group in the 1990s. The modernisation was undertaken to improve machine availability, enhance production efficiency and ensure continued compliance with product qualification requirements. The Les Ancizes facility is known for its expertise in forging and metallurgy, supplying critical industries such as aerospace, energy and defence.
The project covered plant engineering, electrical systems and automation, digitalisation, ancillary equipment and services. The complete electrical control system was upgraded, including power and control cabinets, switchgear, cabling, operator panels and visualisation systems. SMS group also integrated its ComForge® Forging Technology Suite to assist operators throughout the production process, from calculating forging pass schedules to optimising material properties.
The hydraulic system was modernised through the installation of new valves, hydraulic safety manifolds and additional functions designed to improve usability. The work was carried out within the existing machine configuration, avoiding the need to replace the complete forging installation.
Implementation comprised five weeks of mechanical and electrical installation, followed by 13 weeks of cold and hot commissioning and production support. A key requirement was to maintain the production parameters of the previous system so that Aubert & Duval could continue manufacturing products under existing qualifications. The upgraded ComForge® suite incorporated the former piercing patterns into the new system, helping preserve established production processes.
Pascal Pelka, Head of Service Hydraulic Presses Service Solutions at SMS group, said completing the modernisation on schedule while maintaining qualified production parameters was a significant achievement. He credited close collaboration between the two companies for enabling production ramp-up to progress faster than planned and for recovering time lost during installation.
The project builds on a longstanding relationship between SMS group and Aubert & Duval, which includes SMS group’s involvement in annual maintenance planning for the Les Ancizes machine. In 2024, Aubert & Duval also ordered a 60-meganewton hydraulic closed-die forging press from SMS group for its Pamiers facility. The press is currently being commissioned.
SMS group develops technologies and provides services for the metals industry, drawing on approximately 150 years of experience and digital expertise. With annual sales of around €3.6 billion and more than 13,000 employees worldwide, the company supports customers throughout the lifecycle of their plants, helping develop profitable and resource-efficient production processes.
