Application of intelligent decision system based on artificial neural network in free forging of the engine main shaft

The engine main shaft forgings have high requirements for product consistency and reliability, which are difficult to be guaranteed by traditional manual free forging. On the basis of the already-in-place machinery, technical optimization was done in order to realize intelligent forging of the engine main shaft forgings. A rail trailer, holding robot, inspection robot, and expert system were installed as well as other hardware and software. Additionally, the procedure and specifications for robot intelligent free forging were revised. Based on the artificial neural network (ANN) model, an optimization model and a prediction model were created, and the process parameters can be controlled during forging. The verification result shows that the intelligent free forging production line can achieve real-time control of the shaft forging process, and obtain the forgings whose shape, size, microstructure, performance and consistency meet the requirements. With the help of this production line, free forging can be produced more quickly and efficiently, which is crucial for realizing the automation, digitization, and intelligence of shaft forging free forging.