Iraeta at China’s 2026 Conference on Digital Technologies for Open-Die Forging

From August 12 to 14, 2026, the 2026 Conference on Digital Technologies for Open-Die Forging Processes, Equipment and Inspection was held in China. The event brought together leading forging companies, industry experts, and research institutions from across the country. Iraeta Chairman Niu Yugang and Niu Jiazhen, Executive Director and General Manager of Iraeta (Jining), led the Iraeta team at the conference.

Hosted by the China Forging and Pressing Association, the conference is a major annual technical forum for the open-die forging industry in China. It provides a platform for manufacturers of heavy energy forgings to exchange technologies, share experience, and explore new approaches to manufacturing.

At the conference, Niu Jiazhen delivered a presentation titled “From Experience-Based Forging to Data-Driven Forging: Iraeta’s Practices in Full-Process Quality Control and Low-Carbon Manufacturing for Ultra-Large Energy Forgings.” He shared Iraeta’s experience in applying digital technologies to the manufacturing of ultra-large energy forgings.

Ultra-large forgings used in nuclear power, wind power, marine engineering, and other energy equipment applications are often produced in a wide range of specifications, in relatively small batches, and to specific customer requirements. Their manufacturing processes involve a large number of process parameters and rely heavily on hands-on experience. Turning this experience into data that can be recorded, traced, and reused is an important part of digital transformation.

Niu Jiazhen noted that Iraeta is using digital technologies to transform this traditional manufacturing model. The company has established a digital process line covering the entire workflow from order and process planning to melting, forging, heat treatment, inspection, and delivery. Through sensors, infrared temperature measurement, and process data collection, key parameters that once relied heavily on operator experience—such as heating cycles, deformation, and furnace return schedules—are now captured as data that can be recorded, analyzed, and traced.

Turning experience into data, and using data to drive manufacturing—that is at the heart of Iraeta’s digital transformation. The goal is not only to improve production efficiency and product consistency, but also to build a manufacturing system that can continuously learn, be replicated, and be optimized.

On August 14, conference participants visited the digital workshops of Lanzhou LS Heavy Equipment and LS Superalloy. They exchanged views on digital manufacturing, smart equipment, and industrial upgrading.

Digital technologies are changing the way large forgings are manufactured. For Iraeta, this transformation goes beyond upgrading equipment and systems. It is an ongoing shift from experience-driven manufacturing to data-driven manufacturing.

The conference also provided a valuable opportunity for Iraeta to connect with industry companies, research institutions, and technology partners. Going forward, Iraeta will continue to integrate digital technologies with forging processes and explore further applications of digital and low-carbon technologies in the manufacturing of high-end energy forgings.