Relocation and modernization of the forging set with the CKW 2000 press for the company Vítkovice Hammering a.s.

At the beginning of 2023, the first meeting took place on the implementation of the project for the relocation and modernization of the forging set with the CKW 1600 press and the QKK 12 forging manipulator. This press was manufactured by ŽĎAS, a.s. in 1989 for the company Vítkovice a.s.

The need to move the CKW 1600 press from the original premises of the old forge of the former Vítkovice a.s. was caused by the planned liquidation of the entire Vítkovice forge.

At the beginning of 2024, the scope of repair and modernization of individual line equipment was agreed upon and a contract was concluded, stating that the CKW 1600 press would continue to operate in the original premises of the old forge until the end of the year. It was agreed that only the CKW 1600 press would be retained from the original equipment, which would be modernized to the CKW 2000, and the other equipment would be manufactured new. Immediately after the contract was signed, while production was underway on the original line, work began on the production of the new equipment, which consisted of the delivery of a new hydraulic drive, a new QHZ 12 rotary lifting table, a QKK 12 rail forging manipulator including a new rail bed, and new electrical equipment with cable distribution, corresponding to the technological solution of the CKW 1600 + QKK12 + QHZ12 forging set.

The modernization of the line also improved the parameters of the press, both in terms of the drive and press control. The equipment was delivered and installed before the delivery of the repaired press so that the assembly and revival of the line would be as short as possible. The company Vítkovice Hammering a.s. determined the premises for the assembly of the new line in the new hall in Vítkovice, where they also have a quick forging line. This hall is located in the immediate vicinity of the original old forge. At the end of 2024, the client started work on the foundations for the line in the new hall, and at the beginning of 2025, the dismantling of the CKW 1600 press and the transport of the specified parts to ŽĎAS for repair began.

At the end of March this year, we started delivering hydraulics and electrical switchboards to the new hall and began their installation. This installation took place simultaneously with the construction of the foundations under the press, which made these works considerably more difficult, also with regard to the safety of the installation and its coordination with the construction contractor.

At the beginning of July, the installation of the press itself, including the manipulator and their connection to the media, began. The installation was completed and the start of the test operation took place at the beginning of October, and after a month of trouble-free operation, the forging line with the CKW press was put into permanent operation.

Finally, we would like to thank everyone involved in this event for a job well done.