Shenzhen Alu Rapid Prototype Precision Co., Ltd.
Industry News
- Home
- News
- Key Aspects of Forging
Process:
Material Selection: A metal workpiece (e.g., a billet or ingot) is chosen, typically steel, aluminum, titanium, or brass.
Heating (Optional): The metal is heated to increase malleability (hot forging) or worked at room temperature (cold forging).
Forming: Compressive forces are applied using:
Hammers: Manual or powered hammers strike the metal.
Presses: Apply steady pressure to shape the metal.
Dies: Custom molds shape the metal into precise forms.
Cooling and Finishing: The forged part cools, and post-processing (e.g., machining, heat treatment) refines dimensions or properties.
Types of Forging:
Hot Forging: Performed at high temperatures (e.g., 950–1,250°C for steel) to reduce material resistance and allow complex shapes.
Cold Forging: Done at or near room temperature, offering higher precision and surface finish but limited to simpler shapes.
Warm Forging: Conducted at intermediate temperatures, balancing strength and formability.
Open-Die Forging: Uses simple dies for large, custom shapes with less precision (e.g., shafts, rings).
Closed-Die (Impression-Die) Forging: Uses precise molds for complex, high-volume parts (e.g., gears, fittings).
Roll Forging: Shapes metal between rotating rollers, often for long parts like axles.
Materials: Steel, stainless steel, aluminum, titanium, brass, and copper alloys.
Advantages:
Superior Strength: Aligns metal grain structure, improving toughness and fatigue resistance.
Durability: Forged parts withstand high stress and wear (e.g., crankshafts, aerospace components).
Versatility: Suitable for small to large parts, from prototypes to mass production.
Limitations:
Limited Complexity: Less suited for intricate geometries compared to casting or 3D printing.
High Tooling Costs: Especially for closed-die forging in low volumes.
Lead Time: Tooling design and setup can be time-consuming for custom parts.
Applications:
Prototyping: Functional prototypes for high-strength components (e.g., aerospace fittings).
Production: Automotive parts (crankshafts, connecting rods), aerospace components (landing gear), and industrial tools (hammers, wrenches).