Project Remit
Rhodes Interform delivered a turnkey solution tailored to the client’s requirements by designing, building, installing, and commissioning a dedicated hot-forging production line for bending forklift truck forks. The client’s legacy system relied on outdated manual equipment, so the project aimed to automate the process, standardise product quality, address and surpass all health and safety standards, and enhance productivity.
The Rhodes Solution
This complex project drew from Rhodes Interform’s diverse expertise, including:
- Conveying
- Pressing
- Robotic transfer
- Software integration
- Hydraulics
- Governance
A thorough understanding of the client’s needs was central to the project’s success: the full range of products, dimensions, and bend specifications were carefully evaluated, alongside operational priorities, performance targets, budget, and project constraints.
Multidisciplinary teams—spanning mechanical, electrical, software, and project engineering—all collaborated to create detailed designs and risk assessments, conduct feasibility studies, and carry out cost assessments. Regular client consultations ensured the project direction always aligned with their strategic objectives.
Project Specification
The hot-forging line consisted of two hydraulic presses, one “Upset” press to compress a section of the material in an axial direction, and a main bend and squeeze press to perform the required part shape. Automatic tool transfer gave direct efficiencies and operator safety to the project, along with robotic part transfer between the two presses, providing a fully automated process. HMI control systems on the guarding’s exterior gave the operator full access to thousands of recipes and operations.
With the design phase complete, Rhodes Interform's procurement team sourced all necessary components, allowing their skilled engineers and fitters to assemble the line in-house at their Wakefield HQ. The client then attended a Factory Acceptance Test (FAT), after which the equipment was dismantled, transported, and installed at the client's site by Rhodes Interform's service engineers and project lead.
Rhodes Interform conducted a CE marking process for the full line.
Commissioning and Site Acceptance Testing (SAT), including comprehensive on-site training, were jointly undertaken by Rhodes Interform and the client. The automated line has now been in operation for over two years, delivering consistent, high-quality production and full automation. Rhodes Interform continues to support the client with complete service and maintenance cover for all machinery and solutions.
For further information, please call Rhodes Interform's technical sales team on +44 (0)1924 371161.
