While conventional automation has advanced mass production, low-volume forging continues to rely on manual expertise due to high setup costs and limited process transferability. With shorter product life cycles and a tightening labor market, adaptive and data-driven automation is becoming essential. The research focuses on integrating digital twins, AI-based process optimization, and advanced sensor data to enable forging systems that continuously learn and adapt.

As part of the digitalSUMMIT on September 4 in Aachen, the digitalPIONEER award was presented for the seventh time to regional companies with innovative digital solutions. We are proud that KELK (VPG) Germany with our alpha.hot3D gage system is among this year’s five winners!

Learn how KELK sensors can optimize your production and processes!

In metal production and processing you can, for example, measure > strip tension by sensing components of forces exerted on a dynamically balanced sensing roll over which the strip is pulled, using purpose designed load cells at or under the ends of the sensing roll.

Find Your Solution with KEL

Did you miss our talk at the AISTech 2025 technology conference?
Ask for a copy of the technical paper or presentation.
Please send an e-mail to: kelk@vpgsensors.com 

New camber gage system for roughing mills - Better control, better quality.
In hot strip mills, camber is a key indicator of product quality. If excessive, it can cause major problems downstream in the finishing mill.

Day 2 at Aluminum USA

Raul will show you how to optimize your production with our sensors and measurement systems for various applications in rolling mills.

Discover YOUR application:

Learn about the KELK solutions for the aluminum industry!
Our products include mill crop optimization systems, which minimize head and tail cut waste and improve product yield.

Find YOUR application to enhance efficiency and quality!

KELK designs and manufactures high accuracy, performance sensors & systems for aluminum and steel rolling mills with 5 main product applications:

Do you need to inspect hot forged parts and evaluate their cold dimensions? 
See their 360° real time image and optimize the forging tool life.

Günter Lauven will present the paradigm shift in a rapid forging process enabled by laser measurement
Date: Thursday, May 8
Location: 2nd Turkish Forming Technology Conference, Istanbul 

AISTech2025 - Discover our 2-meter wide laser thickness gauge for optical thickness and cross profile measurement – built for precision and versatility. See the sensors up close and learn how they adapt automatically to any strip surface, regardless of the strip material.

In hot strip mills, camber is an important quality characteristic of a transfer bar coming out of a roughing mill. Excessive camber negatively impacts subsequent process in a finishing mill. 

Therefore, it is desirable to measure and control the bar camber during rolling in a roughing mill. Centerline deviation measurements cannot distinguish bar movements from bar shape changes.