Seamless Ring Rolling Forging Process

Forging Efficient Seamless Rolled Rings

The production of seamless forged rings is often performed by a process called ring rolling on rolling mills. These mills vary in size to produce forged rings with outside diameters of just a few inches to over 300 inches and in weights from a single pound up to over 300,000 pounds.

What is Rolled Ring Forging?

The ring rolling process starts with a circular preform of metal that has been previously upset and pierced (using the open die forging process) to form a hollow “doughnut.” This doughnut is heated above the recrystallization temperature and placed over the idler or mandrel roll. This idler roll then moves under pressure toward a drive roll that continuously rotates to reduce the wall thickness, thereby increasing the diameters (I.D. and O.D.) of the resulting ring.

Seamless rolled rings can be produced in configurations ranging from flat, washer-like parts to tall, cylindrical shapes, with heights ranging from less than an inch to more than 9 feet. Wall thickness to height ratios of rings typically range from 1:16 up to 16:1, although greater proportions can be achieved with special processing. The simplest and most commonly used shape is a rectangular cross-section ring, but shaped tooling can be used to produce seamless rolled rings in complex, custom shapes with contours on the inside and/or outside diameters.

Producing a ring "preform" by the open die forging process:

1. Starting stock first rounded, then upset

first rounded then upset Starting stock cut to size by weight is first rounded, then upset to achieve structural integrity and directional grain flow.

2. Workpiece is punched, then pierced

shape needed for ring rolling process

Workpiece is punched, then pierced to achieve starting “doughnut” shape needed for ring rolling process.

3. Ready for placement on ring mill for rolling

Completed preform is ready for placement on ring mill for rolling.

Rolled ring forging process:

4. Ring rolling process begins with the idler roll

Ring Rolling forging process Ring rolling process begins with the idler roll applying pressure to the preform against the drive roll.

5. Ring diameters are increased

diameters are increased with continuous pressure Ring diameters are increased as the continuous pressure reduces the wall thickness. The axial rolls control the height of the ring as it is being rolled.

6. Desired size is achieved

The process continues until the desired size is achieved.

Scot Forge Difference

At Scot Forge, we know the importance of getting your parts on time, as expected. However, for customers new to procuring forgings, ordering a forging that will meet all specifications for end-use applications may be challenging, so finding a trusted supplier and partner is essential. Our employee-owners are here to ensure your project stays on track with our forgings by offering:

Pro Tip - Did you know near-net shapes can save you time and money? Oftentimes, a customer calls to order a disc, which they will later machine down to a more shaped part. By working with our technically trained sales team, you can get your finished product shape as close as possible to optimize your production process.

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Seamless Rolled Ring Forging Process