INNOVAW Aluminum Forging Plant: Integrated Layout and Advanced Manufacturing Process

2026-07-14

The INNOVAW aluminum forging plant is planned and constructed in accordance with the requirements of the IATF 16949 quality management system. The overall workshop layout follows the principles of smooth material flow, controlled processes, and full traceability, achieving standardized management throughout the entire production process—from raw material intake to final heat treatment.

The production process begins at the raw material warehouse. Aluminum bars are stored in designated areas according to heat number and specification, with identification and traceability managed through a barcode system. Before entering production, all raw materials undergo strict incoming inspection to ensure that their chemical composition and mechanical properties meet process requirements.

The cutting section is equipped with five high-efficiency sawing machines, which cut aluminum bars into billets of specified lengths according to the production plan. This area is arranged adjacent to the raw material warehouse to minimize handling distance, and a dedicated transfer zone is provided to ensure orderly material flow.

The forging workshop is the core production area, where eight automated forging lines are installed. Each line consists of a chain-type heating furnace, a roll forging machine, a preforming press, an electric screw press, and a trimming press. Aluminum billets are first uniformly heated in the chain furnace to reach the required forging temperature. They then enter the roll forging machine for initial forming, followed by further shaping in the preforming press. Final forging is completed on the electric screw press, and the trimming press removes excess flash to produce near-net-shape forgings. The equipment is efficiently interconnected to enable continuous production, while an online monitoring system records key parameters such as temperature and pressure in real time.

After forging, the workpieces undergo a pickling process to remove surface oxide scale and improve the effectiveness of subsequent heat treatment. The pickling area is equipped with comprehensive environmental protection and safety measures to ensure compliance with safety and environmental standards.

The heat treatment process includes solution treatment and aging, which are critical steps to ensure product performance. The workshop is equipped with dedicated heat treatment furnaces and cooling systems, with strict control over heating temperature, holding time, and cooling rate to achieve the required microstructure and mechanical properties.

The entire workshop is arranged in a linear layout according to the process sequence, with appropriate buffer zones and work-in-process areas between operations. This ensures continuity of production rhythm while meeting quality control and traceability requirements. Through standardized operations, equipment maintenance management, and process monitoring, the aluminum forging plant achieves efficient and stable production in full compliance with IATF 16949 requirements.