Mittelstandspresse
22.10.2026
SMS group upgrades Aubert & Duval’s SMX hydraulic radial forging machine at Les Ancizes to secure consistent, high-quality production
Mönchengladbach, 22.10.2026 (PresseBox) -
SMS group has modernized the complete electrical control system as well as the hydraulic system of the SMX
The work was carried out at the Les Ancizes site in France and was completed within an overall construction period of 18 weeks
All production-relevant parameters were maintained to comply with existing product qualifications
Aubert & Duval, a manufacturer of high-performance steel and superalloys, commissioned SMS group in March 2024 to modernize the complete electrical control system and the hydraulic system of its radial forging machine, the SMX, supplied by SMS group in the 1990’s. The modernization was carried out at Aubert & Duval’s Les Ancizes site in France, and SMS group completed it within an 18-week construction period. The decision to upgrade was driven by the need to replace aging equipment with innovative technology to secure machine availability and increase production efficiency.
Based in central France, Aubert & Duval operates an SMX hydraulic radial forging machine, supplied by SMS. The project scope included plant engineering, electrical systems and automation, digitalization, ancillary equipment, and service. During the modernization process, the complete electrical control system, including power and control cabinets, switchgear, cabling, operator panels, and visualization, was upgraded. The ComForge® Forging Technology Suite was integrated to support machine operators throughout the production process, from calculating pass schedules to optimizing material properties. At the same time, the hydraulic system was modified to include new valves, hydraulic safety manifolds, and optional functions that enhance usability. The modernization was implemented within the existing machine structure. The overall construction period lasted 18 weeks, comprising five weeks of mechanical and electrical erection, followed by 13 weeks of cold and hot commissioning, as well as production support.
A key commissioning requirement was to keep all production-relevant parameters identical to the previous system in order to comply with Aubert & Duval’s product qualifications. This ensured ongoing, high-quality production using the existing hydraulic radial forging machine at Aubert & Duval’s Les Ancizes site. This was made possible, among other things, by upgrading the ComForge® Forging Technology Suite, which integrated the former piercing patterns into the new system. Les Ancizes is a site renowned for its expertise in forging and metallurgy and serves critical sectors including aerospace, energy, and defense. Ensuring product qualifications is key to remaining competitive with next-generation technology.
Pascal Pelka, Head of Service Hydraulic Presses Service Solutions, SMS group, added: “Completing this modernization on schedule while maintaining Aubert & Duval’s qualified production parameters was a major achievement for everyone involved. The project involved some challenges and we were fortunate that the ramp-up progressed significantly faster than planned, thanks to our good collaboration with Aubert & Duval. We were able to fully recover any lost time during the installation activities.”
SMS and Aubert & Duval have enjoyed a successful business relationship for decades, including SMS’s active involvement in annual maintenance planning for the hydraulic radial forging machine at Les Ancizes. In 2024, Aubert & Duval also ordered a 60-meganewton hydraulic closed-die forging press from SMS for its Pamiers site. The press is currently being commissioned.
Ansprechpartner
Thilo Sagermann
+49 2161 350-4449
Zuständigkeitsbereich: Fachpresse
Über SMS group GmbH:
SMS group is renowned worldwide for its future-oriented technologies and outstanding service for the metals industry. The company applies its 150 years of experience and its digital know-how to provide the industry continuously with innovative products and processes – even beyond its core business – and generates worldwide sales of around 3,6 billion euros. SMS is the right partner for challenging projects, and supports its customers throughout the lifecycle of their plants, enabling profitable and resource-efficient value creation chains. SMS takes responsibility for its more than 13,000 employees.
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Visualization of an SMX hydraulic radial forging machine supplied by SMS, comparable to the one installed at Aubert & Duval’s Les Ancizes site in France
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