Seamless rolled rings
Weights from 20 kg up to 65 tons, diameters from 150 mm up to 10 meters, and a maximum height of 2.8 meters—all available as single pieces. Everything comes with a certificate and, if required, a (customer-specific) specification.
Seamless rolled rings
The right ring, in the right grade
Rings are often chosen for their superior homogeneity and the ability to meet specific mechanical values or requirements. With seamless rolling, the grain structure follows the circumference of the ring. This is not the case with flame-cut plates, where you actually cut through the structure.
Additionally, there are certain diameters and lengths that are no longer available from stock, which we can then supply to your specific requirements. This is often requested for applications such as turbines, offshore, valves, aerospace, hydraulics, shipping, and the chemical and petrochemical industries.
Furthermore, there is a cost aspect: because only the input weight is calculated, this is more cost-effective than using plate material for certain diameters and thicknesses.
Execution
From rough forged to fully machined
Rough forged
Delivered directly after ring rolling and heat treatment, with allowance on the inner and outer diameter and height. For rings you intend to finish-turn yourself.
Rough turned
The most frequent choice: inner and outer diameters are rough turned so the ring can be ultrasonically tested. You perform the final machining yourself.
Fully machined
We deliver the ring as a finished product according to your drawing, for example as a flange, bushing, or gear ring. The certificate is included.
Process
How a seamless rolled ring is created
The input weight is calculated, cut from the ingot/billet, and brought to the required temperature in the furnace for forging. Then we forge it into a disc. In the ring mill, a hole is initially pressed into it with a mandrel. This is called a donut. The ring then goes to the ring roller where the correct dimensions (OD, ID, and height) are entered, and it is 3D formed. This is followed by heat treatment, after which test pieces are taken, and the ring is rough turned with a UT test and, if necessary, fully machined according to the customer's drawing.
Applications
For the most demanding industries
Bearing shells
Bushings
Flanges
Piston rings
Gears
Our approach
Your partner in seamless rolled rings
Ring application
Tell us the purpose of the ring, for example as a flange or gear ring. We will advise you on the appropriate grade and execution.
Defining ring dimensions
We establish the inner diameter, outer diameter, height, grade, and certification together. Diameters from 150 mm to 10 meters are possible; we verify the feasibility of your dimensions in advance.
Quote based on input weight
We base the price on the input weight. The quote also includes the lead time; we coordinate technical questions beforehand.
Rolling, testing, delivery
We closely monitor ring rolling, heat treatment, and testing until your ring is delivered with its certificate.
Material Grades
Seamless rolled rings in virtually any grade
Seamless rolled rings are often chosen because of the specific diameters and lengths that can be achieved. Because we use open-die forging, no mold is required, allowing us to offer single pieces. Additionally, every ring/flange is tested separately, ensuring 100% traceability and highly reliable quality. We can offer these rings in almost all material grades.
Frequently asked questions
Everything about seamless rolled rings
What is the maximum diameter and weight of a seamless rolled ring?
The maximum diameter of a forged ring is 10 meters, and the maximum weight is 65 tons per piece. A forged ring can therefore be supplied in very large dimensions. Both the diameter and weight are suitable for applications where standard plate material is insufficient.
In which material grades do you supply seamless rolled rings?
We can offer forged rings in virtually all material grades. Depending on the application and technical requirements, options include alloy steels, stainless steel, and nickel alloys. The material choice is tailored to the desired properties, standards, and any customer-specific specifications.
What is the difference between a forged ring and a ring flame-cut from plate material?
The difference between a forged ring and a flame-cut ring lies partly in the production method. Through forging/seamless rolling, the homogeneity of the material is better guaranteed. Furthermore, each ring is tested separately, and the material can be produced according to customer-specific requirements if necessary. This allows the ring to be tailored to specific applications. Flame-cutting a ring actually cuts through the material's grain structure, which is absolutely undesirable for some applications. Additionally, flame-cutting introduces heat into the material, often requiring the ring to undergo further treatment.
What is seamless rolling and why is it chosen for rings?
Seamless rolling (also known as ring rolling) is a forging technique where the workpiece is 3D processed by the ring mill without pressing the metal into a closed die. The shape is created step-by-step by repeatedly rotating the material. Current ring rolling technology allows for very precise forging. This method eliminates the need to purchase a die where the metal is pressed into a pre-formed negative mold.
Why this is chosen for rings:
No expensive dies required: with die forging, a costly steel die must be made first. This is only cost-effective for large series. For rings (often small series, custom work, or very large dimensions), ring rolling technology is much more cost-effective.
Suitable for large dimensions: rings up to several meters in diameter and great heights/thicknesses simply cannot be pressed in a die; the press capacity and die size would become unfeasible. Ring rolling technology allows for the processing of very large workpieces using relatively compact tools.
Dimensional flexibility: you can easily vary height, diameter, and stepped transitions (such as with LWN), without making new tools for every variant.
Excellent material structure: through the forming and compaction during the forging process, the (grain) structure of the steel becomes finer and more evenly distributed, which significantly improves mechanical properties (toughness, fatigue strength). This is crucial for rings that must withstand specific forces.
Suitable for small to medium series and prototypes
Do you supply seamless rolled rings rough, rough turned, or fully machined?
We primarily supply seamless rolled rings rough turned, so that we can at least perform ultrasonic testing. Additionally, we can offer fully machined forgings, entirely according to the customer's drawing and requirements. In this way, both rough turned and fully machined versions of seamless rolled rings can be supplied, depending on the desired execution.
What diameters are possible for seamless rolled rings?
Diameters up to 10,000 mm are possible for seamless rolled rings. This allows for the supply of very large rings and flanges. This wide range of diameters makes it possible to use forged rings for various industrial applications where large dimensions are required.
Do you apply heat treatment and is this included as standard?
All rings are heat treated, at a minimum according to the standard associated with the material grade. Additionally, we can perform specific heat treatments according to customer-specific requirements. This heat treatment can be performed both horizontally and vertically. In this way, the heat treatment and execution can be tailored to the applicable material grade and any additional customer requirements.
Are seamless rolled rings suitable for critical applications, such as in the energy or aerospace industry?
Yes, seamless rolled rings are particularly suitable for critical applications within the energy, aerospace, turbine, shipping, and (petro)chemical industries, among others. This is due to the specific material structure, dimensions, and requirements demanded by these applications. Seamless rolled rings can therefore be used for applications where specific demands are placed on the material and the product.
What is the usual lead time for rings?
The lead time for seamless rolled rings depends on the weight and dimensions of the ring. In rough turned execution, we can deliver certain rings within 6 working weeks. For fully machined rings, the lead time is 8 to 10 working weeks. The exact lead time therefore depends on the execution, weight, and dimensions of the ring in question.
Do you supply single pieces or small series of seamless rolled rings?
Yes, seamless rolled rings are used specifically for single pieces and small series because they do not require investment in an expensive die. Because we use seamless rolling, we can offer forged rings as single pieces. This makes seamless rolled rings suitable when specific dimensions or executions are needed and a large series is not required.
Request your quote without obligation
Provide the inner diameter, outer diameter, height, and grade of your ring. We will verify feasibility and send a quick response.
Always with a certificate
Single pieces and small series
Customer-specific specifications
Diameters up to 10 meters