The 26-meter-high open-die forging hydraulic press is installed in a 42-meter-high workshop at the high-end manufacturing center of Huawei Zhongong, a heavy industry company in Tai'an, Shandong province. [Photo/Tai'an Daily]

A 26-meter-high open-die forging hydraulic press was recently installed in a 42-meter-high workshop at the high-end manufacturing center of Huawei Zhongong, a heavy industry company in Tai'an, Shandong province.

This hydraulic press, with a maximum pressure of 16,500 metric tons and an opening width of 9.5 meters, enables the production of 200 to 300 metric ton forgings, filling a gap in China's manufacturing capabilities. 

"This open-die forging hydraulic press exceeds the domestic size limitations and is the largest in Asia. It can forge large pressure vessel tube sheets for the nuclear power and chemical industries," said Feng Zhengang, deputy general manager of the company. 

The equipment increases the forging diameter to 10 meters, up from the previous 7.6 meters, and eliminates the need to weld large tube sheets, Feng said. It also overcomes the technical challenges posed by the rapid and precise measurement of high-temperature components in the domestic forging industry.

The equipment is a crucial part of Shandong province's ongoing major technical renovation project.

The precision forming capabilities of the equipment not only enhance production efficiency, but also save on energy and materials and bring the province closer to achieving its green manufacturing goals. The equipment is expected to lead to faster industrialization for the province.