Patent ID: 7444850

Claim:
A method for forging workpieces using a forging machine having at least one shaping tool, comprising: a) handling one or more workpieces during a machining process with at least one handling device; b) prior to machining the workpiece on a forging machine, determining a position and/or orientation of at least one shaping tool of the forging machine by: b1) approaching one or more predetermined reference surfaces on the at least one shaping tool with a detection device, thereby detecting at least one position of one or more of the one or more predetermined reference surfaces; b2) transmitting to an evaluating means information from the detection device corresponding to the detected at least one position of the one or more of the one or more predetermined reference surfaces; and b3) the evaluating means determining the position and/or orientation of the at least one shaping tool from the transmitted information regarding the detected at least one position of the one or more of the one or more predetermined reference surfaces; and c) using the determined position and/or orientation of the at least one shaping tool as a basis for handling the one or more workpieces by the at least one handling device; wherein the detection device comprises the at least one handling device equipped with at least one sensor.