New AgilityForge Versions Can Streamline More Manufacturing Processes
Outcome/Accomplishment
Researchers developed three new versions of the Agility Forge, expanding the potential reach of the system’s integrated machining and finishing operations. The new versions were developed at the NSF-funded Hybrid Autonomous Manufacturing–Moving from Evolution to Revolution (NSF HAMMER), an Engineering Research Center (ERC) headquartered at The Ohio State University.
Impact/Benefits
The new versions enable the Agility Forge to be more portable, work with larger parts, and to operate more flexibly—promising to streamline more manufacturing processes through the rapid production of high-quality parts with minimal material waste.
Explanation/Background
The AgilityForge was developed at the Center to employ metamorphic manufacturing, or robotic blacksmithing, which deforms metals into precise shapes by applying controlled forces. Operators can rapidly produce high-quality parts with minimal material waste.
There are three models of this system. The Expeditionary (C1000) can fit into a cargo container and be deployed at front lines, oil and gas fields, and other places with little infrastructure, providing forged parts when and where needed. It can forge parts up to 65 lbs. It is produced by retrofitting a milling machine with the Center’s custom heating, forging, metrology, and control systems.
The Capable (C2000) is much larger, and can forge parts up to 250 lbs. It is produced by retrofitting a larger milling machine with the Center’s custom equipment
The Flexible (R3000) is a robot arm that can manipulate a metal workpiece up to 500 lbs., in and out of a furnace, and in and out of forging dies.
Location
Columbus, Ohiowebsite
Start Year
Advanced Manufacturing
Advanced Manufacturing
Lead Institution
Core Partners
Fact Sheet
Outcome/Accomplishment
Researchers developed three new versions of the Agility Forge, expanding the potential reach of the system’s integrated machining and finishing operations. The new versions were developed at the NSF-funded Hybrid Autonomous Manufacturing–Moving from Evolution to Revolution (NSF HAMMER), an Engineering Research Center (ERC) headquartered at The Ohio State University.
Location
Columbus, Ohiowebsite
Start Year
Advanced Manufacturing
Advanced Manufacturing
Lead Institution
Core Partners
Fact Sheet
Impact/benefits
The new versions enable the Agility Forge to be more portable, work with larger parts, and to operate more flexibly—promising to streamline more manufacturing processes through the rapid production of high-quality parts with minimal material waste.
Explanation/Background
The AgilityForge was developed at the Center to employ metamorphic manufacturing, or robotic blacksmithing, which deforms metals into precise shapes by applying controlled forces. Operators can rapidly produce high-quality parts with minimal material waste.
There are three models of this system. The Expeditionary (C1000) can fit into a cargo container and be deployed at front lines, oil and gas fields, and other places with little infrastructure, providing forged parts when and where needed. It can forge parts up to 65 lbs. It is produced by retrofitting a milling machine with the Center’s custom heating, forging, metrology, and control systems.
The Capable (C2000) is much larger, and can forge parts up to 250 lbs. It is produced by retrofitting a larger milling machine with the Center’s custom equipment
The Flexible (R3000) is a robot arm that can manipulate a metal workpiece up to 500 lbs., in and out of a furnace, and in and out of forging dies.