SMS group, in partnership with automotive supplier Hirschvogel and image processing specialist Sightwise, has developed an automated final inspection system for closed-die-forged components at Hirschvogel's Denklingen site in Germany.

This system replaces the existing manual testing station with a fully automated solution capable of detecting surface defects and geometrical deviations with greater speed and precision. It operates as an integral part of iForge, SMS group's broader digitalization platform for closed-die forging, making it a seamlessly embedded component of a larger smart manufacturing ecosystem. 

The shift from manual visual inspection to this scalable digital process delivers measurable benefits, including reduced labor costs, lower dependence on personnel, and the elimination of human error. Its high scalability further ensures that the system can be rapidly adapted to accommodate new product variants, reinforcing Germany's competitiveness as an advanced industrial location.