Review and comparison of blacksmithing machines Azhur, Master, Blacksmith, Decor and Pro. Part 3

08/05/2018 | Ros News Service

The Master-Universal machine carries out: longitudinal and spiral twisting, heating and rolling of blanks, decorative rolling of metal, rolling. Makes arcs from profile pipes, baskets, and applies patterns: “Beads” for a square, “Vine” for a circle. Performs uniform and uneven crimping of squares, decorative rolling of profile pipes - 15,20,40x20mm. Applies patterns: “Bark”, “Pebble”, “Labyrinth”, “Puzzle”, “Ethnicity”, “Chain”, “Relief”. Manufactures "Balusters". It has the possibility of P-reinforcement and V-reinforcement of the profile pipe. Makes endings – “Fan”, “Wave”, “Fishtail”, “Houndstooth” foot. Has a device for turning the presser foot. He uses “Mega-pattern” and other patterns in his work. Manufactures “Torsion bars”, “Rings” and clamps, railings from 40x4mm strip. It includes a unit for rolling a pattern onto rolled metal, which allows you to create interesting and expensive forged products. Performs hot and cold forging. It has two working zones, which ensure the versatility of the machine and ease of use. The high productivity of the equipment allows you to process two workpieces simultaneously for quick order fulfillment. Additional equipment for the machine includes a stand and a foot pedal, which allows you to move the device without using your hands. The main disadvantage of this equipment is that it has fewer capabilities when fully equipped, unlike the Azhur-Universal machine.

"Blacksmith UNV3-02"

The Blacksmith UNV3-02 machine is designed for operations such as: bending arcs and curls, twisting, rolling pipes, manufacturing the “Ring” element and the “Foot” ending. The equipment is equipped with a hinged block for rolling out ends and forming pipes, as well as various mandrels: for rolling out ends, for making curls of various sizes, for bending corners (special mandrel), for torsioning a square, for bending an arc from a round pipe, for bending an arc from a profile pipes, squares and strips (universal), for bending various metals on the external shafts of the pipe bender, additional flat, three clean bases for self-production of mandrels. Additional equipment includes: a set of mandrels for making rings Ø 70, 90, 114, 127 mm, additional mandrels LP4 - M009 for forming a pipe (for a mounted unit) and additional mandrels from the LP4 machine (for a mounted unit). The machine is supplied with a foot pedal block with protection against accidental pressing. The UNV3 machine is equipped with CNC, which allows you to quickly obtain a computer-designed product. Significant disadvantages of the machine are: the need to additionally purchase a forge, a mounted UNV-LP unit, as well as the high cost in comparison with competitors (547,020 rubles).

Master-2U

Next, let’s analyze the Master-2U machine, produced in Russia. The cost of the presented sample is 299,000 rubles. Multi-purpose electric drive machine, necessary for creating a wide range of elements: from profile pipes, strips. “Master-2U” combines the functionality of several machines: for traditional forging and applying ornaments. With its versatility, the Master-2U machine is one of the most compact, reliable and versatile forging machines with an electric drive. It performs eight types of tasks: bending a pipe with a bender, making spirals, bending corners, twisting, creating a longitudinal curl, cones - baskets.

Forging machine Master-2U

“Master-2U” in its modification includes: a unit for rolling a pattern onto rolled metal, which allows you to create unusual and expensive forged products. It can work with hot and cold profile pipes, this allows you to carry more income, because a profile pipe is several times lighter than a solid square. Two work areas make it multifunctional and easy to use. To facilitate connection, the machine is supplied with a power supply of 380 or 220 V. Ease of operation and reliable design allows the machine to be operated in an unprepared workshop. The increased productivity of the machine makes it possible to process two workpieces simultaneously to quickly complete your orders. The machine is installed both indoors and outdoors, under favorable conditions of +5, +40 °C, without precipitation.

Master-2U

The curl of the rod can be performed on all patterns of the Master - 2U machine with unforged and unforged ends of the sample. The Master-2U machine allows you to produce megacurrencies with a length of 600 mm and a curl width of 200 to 350 mm. Most often, this element is used to create benches, entrance groups, gates, and canopies. “Master - 2U” is equipped with a folding roller for creating currencies and bagels, thus, during production there is no possibility of failure due to the inattention of the machine operator. On the forging machine “Master - 2U” it is possible to produce rings with an internal Ø of 75 and 118 mm, from all types of rolled metal: strip, square, circle, and profile pipe. “Master - 2U” is equipped with a clamp for a profile pipe that allows the production of longitudinal twists and cones - baskets. The forging machine is equipped with rollers for producing arcs and arches. Creation of a clamp strip, which is used as a decorative element to cover elements welded together. Included with the “Master - 2U” machine is a furnace for heating metal blanks and subsequent production of faceted and domed lances and crow’s feet. Including “Master - 2U” is equipped with a set of supports and shafts for creating textures.

Download the passport (operating instructions) of the Master-2U machine

In addition to the main set, you can purchase: rollers for applying an ornament to a strip (the “Labyrinth” pattern), a set of rollers for artistic rolling of a profile pipe. A set of rollers for arcs, arches used for hollow pipes; additional rollers for double-sided track foot. Rolls for rolling circles, squares, as well as horns for reinforcing the profile pipe (U-shaped); frames for rolling the strip on edge (the turning device allows you to bend the roll legs). For ease of use, you can purchase a stand and a foot pedal that allows you to move the device without using your hands.

The “Master-2U” machine has a number of advantages: a more attractive price compared to UNV3 and “Azhur-Universal” and good basic equipment (forge, device for rolling “legs”, rolling profile pipes) in comparison with UNV3. The forging machine “Master-2U” consumes less electricity than its brother “Azhur-Universal”.

But there are also disadvantages: the lack of CNC (all operations are performed “by eye”). Slow speed of changing equipment leads to a decrease in labor productivity. The presence of qualified personnel is another disadvantage of this machine. “Master - 2U” has fewer fully equipped capabilities than “Azhur - Universal”, you will agree that this is another disadvantage of this machine.

Ease of purchase

In addition to the availability of ready-made machines for sale from the manufacturer and the ability to purchase additional equipment, there are a number of other points that are especially important for beginners in the forging business. And these moments are connected with help in mastering a new business. At this point, we will simply list everything that machine tool manufacturers offer:

• The manufacturer has a service department that performs the following work: commissioning, warranty and post-warranty repairs, equipment diagnostics, production tests and technological consultations, supply of spare parts and equipment, instruction and training of personnel.
• The machines are endowed with a number of advantages: rich equipment in the basic configuration of the machines, high productivity and low cost of components and spare parts (20-50% cheaper than competitors).

• A wide range of equipment and tools allows us to equip the enterprise for the production of almost all types of decorative forged elements.
• Blacksmith machines and tools are adapted for working with Russian rolled metal. It is possible to process workpieces without preheating them, which increases productivity.
• The equipment is reliable and durable. Suitable for daily intensive use.
• All Blacksmith machines have an optimal combination of operating functions, which makes them easy to use and affordable.
• Ease of use allows even a beginner to master the operation of the machine in just 1 - 2 hours and produce high-quality serial products according to technological maps.

The company claims that it has a business plan, but it is difficult to find it in the public domain.

• The manufacturer offers both universal and specialized machines configured for a specific artistic forging operation (for example, only bending of various curls). This provides an opportunity for potential buyers to create a powerful production facility.
• The machines are configured to meet individual customer requirements.
• Free training on how to operate the equipment. Helps to master the equipment and share experience in working with metal.

(manufacturer of “Master” series machines)

• The manufacturer has a business plan, which contains: calculations of expected profit, description of machines and availability of products. Finding a business plan is not difficult, just go to the website and download it.
• Man offers business ideas that can help beginning blacksmiths decide on the direction of artistic forging.
• Using feedback from product buyers, it constantly modernizes manufactured equipment. Improves equipment modules and components, including at the request of clients;
• Based on his own experience, he gives advice on organizing the production of openwork products, technical issues, etc.
• Maintains connections with clients.

• The company provides a detailed business plan, which not only describes the features of the forge workshop, but also offers ready-made solutions for the selection of equipment and configuration, organization of the workspace and placement of machines. Provides calculations of expected profits depending on the purchased equipment.
• The manufacturer provides assistance in obtaining credit and leasing.
• If necessary, the company’s specialists are ready to go to the buyer to connect the equipment, perform commissioning and training on the capabilities of the equipment.
• In addition, Azhurstal provides free training for personnel at its own production for all its clients.

Guarantee

And the last criterion, important when purchasing any technically complex equipment, is the provision of warranty service for the machines:

• Manufacturers of forging machines of the “Master” and “Profi” series provide a 1-year warranty on all models.
• For Blacksmith, the warranty period depends on the dealer selling the equipment and can vary from 1 year to 3 years. There are a considerable number of dealers throughout the country, but machine service is located only in Moscow and St. Petersburg. Such a small location of service, given the wide distribution of machines, can cause inconvenience for blacksmiths living outside the territories of both capitals.
• Decor also offers a 3-year warranty period. However, in the case of this manufacturer, it is not entirely clear how the obligations will be fulfilled. Today it is impossible to contact the company.
• "Azhur" - provides a 3-year guarantee. At the same time, service centers are located in Chelyabinsk, as well as in most major cities of Russia, which provides the ability to quickly solve any problem with the equipment.

Thus, in terms of warranty obligations, “Azhur” is the undisputed leader.

For metal bending

As a rule, the brand is Azhur M-1. It produces the following items:

• basket nets;
• ring mixers;
• bends in the opposite direction;
• volute and torsion seals.

The minimum power of the unit is at least 3000 W. Capable of operating from a 220-380 V network, while the size of the processed workpieces is 8-16 mm. The width of torsion bars is at least 15-20 mm. The speed of the working shaft is no more than eight revolutions per minute.

Additional elements for completing the Openwork unit:

1. Power module for forging and drive mechanism.
2. Heating forge to maintain the temperature of the rods.
3. Forging module.
4. A drum fairing that is capable of cutting an annular opening with a diameter of no more than 110 mm.
5. The average cross-sectional size of a circle or square is 6-12 mm.
6. When processing a profile pipe, a snail is made. The cross-section of the rods is made in the shape of a square and a circle.
7. The torsion element is compatible with specialized washer and transition torques.

The mechanism works perfectly using electrical parts, mechanics, and the forge frame. Main functional mechanisms:

• motor on electric drive shaft;
• base of the case mechanism;
• forge promotion module;
• synchronous gear fairing;
• equipment with a mechanical element.

The gear shaft drives the base of the forging fairing. This is how the upper and lower order rollers are affected. The workpiece is bent into any shape during the movement of special eccentrics. But first, the workpiece must be heated to its melting temperature.

Manufacturer comparison table

We entered all the data obtained during our research into a small table. Criteria such as the quality of manufactured products and ease of use were assessed by blacksmith specialists. Our experts gave their verdict on issues important to a potential buyer: the price of equipment, additional services, ease of ordering and purchasing.

— lack of criterion; +/- incomplete match; + presence of criterion

Our conclusion

Blacksmithing is truly a great line of business even for someone with no experience in the field. The main thing is to choose the right equipment. According to the results of our research, expert opinions and the presence of all criteria, the Azhur machines were in the lead, which is not surprising. A company with extensive experience and its own forging shop certainly has the knowledge of how to make high-quality, long-lasting equipment. the beginning of the article by going to the following addresses: Part 1 and Part 2.

Openwork 2

To make a convex exit to the surface of the pipe, use the Azhur 2 machine. It is also ideal for strip rods, as well as in the shape of a square. The engine gains power up to 3000 W, is capable of operating from a 380 V mains phase, and can be modified to 220 V.

The average output per minute is up to 4.5 meters, while the shaft speed is approximately 7.5 revolutions over the same period of time. Modern machines consist of units of the main series and a complete set.

Main series mechanisms:

1. Modular accumulator injector.
2. Power plant compressor unit.
3. Two shafts on the bottom and top sides.
4. Strip guide mechanism.
5. Square roller slits.
6. Decoration of stripes according to the Greek method.

Complete mechanisms that are installed on the Azhur 2 machine:

• 37 varieties with relief knurling;
• 7 varieties for profile square pipe;
• device for horizontal straightening;
• a unit that monitors changes in the speed of a rolling element.

Currently, the most modern Azhur machines, as well as universal rolling machines, include many simple and complex elements, such as:

1. Electrically driven motor.
2. Welded steel bearing part of the unit.
3. Gear reduction shaft.
4. Special module for forge straightening.
5. Part with electrical storage panel.

Video: Azhur 7 machine.