Laser telemeters measure red-hot forging with an accuracy of 5 mm

In Creusot-Loire workshops, 2 laser range finders have been installed to measure in real time the dimensions of hot pieces during forging. The accuracy of the measurement reaches 5 mm for forging whose diameters exceed several meters. The measuring system is able to determine the internal and external diameters and a 3-dimensions profile of a forging being forged, the measuring process takes only a few minutes despite the harsh conditions (high temperature gradients, red-hot forging, strong vibrations...). This equipment is used to control the forging of cylindrical shells such as parts of steam generators. (A.C.)