Forging
F orging is a manufacturing process
involving the shaping of metal using
localized compressive forces. The blows
are delivered with a hammer (often a power
hammer) or a die. Forging is often classified
according to the temperature at which it is
performed: cold forging (a type of cold
working), warm forging, or hot forging (a type
of hot working). For the latter two, the metal is
heated, usually in a forge. Forged parts can
range in weight from less than a kilogram to
hundreds of metric tons.[1][2] Forging has been
done by smiths for millennia; the traditional products were kitchenware, hardware, hand tools,
edged weapons, cymbals, and jewellery. Since the Industrial Revolution, forged parts are widely
used in mechanisms and machines wherever a component requires high strength; such forgings
usually require further processing (such as machining) to achieve a finished part. Today, forging
is a major worldwide industry.[3]
Advantages of forging
Parts manufactured by forging are stronger
It is more reliable and less costly
It offers better response to heat treatment
It offers more consistent and better metallurgical properties
It offers broad size range of products
It requires fewer secondary operations
It has great design flexibility
Disadvantages of forging
In hot forging it is difficult to perform secondary operations
Capital cost is more
Very high man and material safety procedures need to be followed
Applications of forging
Automobile industry
Valves and fittings
Hand tools and hardware
Machinery and equipment
Defense
Aerospace
Types Of Forging According to The Temperature of The Workpiece (cold forging vs
warm forging vs hot forging)
a) Cold forging: Forging is carried out at or near room temperature (below the recrystallization
temp.) of the [Link] and standard alloy steels are most commonly [Link]
forging is generally preferred when the metal is already a soft, like aluminum. This process is
usually less expensive than hot forging and the end product requires little or no finishing work.
Cold forging is also less susceptible to contamination problems, and the final component features
a better overall surface finish.
Advantages: Production rates are very high with exceptional die life, Improves mechanical
properties, Less friction between die surface and work piece, Lubrication is easy, No oxidation
or scaling on the [Link]: Residual stress may occur,Heavier and more powerful
equipment is needed,Stronger tooling is required,Tool design and manufacturing are critical.
b) Warm forging:The temperature range for the warm forging of steel runs from above room
temperature to below the recrystallization [Link] with cold forging, warm
forging has the potential advantages of:Reduced tooling loads,reduced press loads, increased
steel ductility, elimination of need to anneal prior to forging, and favorable as-forged properties
that can eliminate heat [Link] warm forging, the billet is heated below the recrystallization
temperature, up to 700 to 800 0C for steels, in order to lower the flow stress and the forging
pressures.
Advantages:High production rates,Excellent dimensional tolerances and surface finish for
forged parts,Significant savings in material and machining,Favorable grain flow to improve
strength,Greater toughness of the forged part.
c) Hot forging (most widely used): Forging is carried out at a temperature above the
recrystallization temperature of the [Link] recrystallization temperature is defined as the
temperature at which the new grains are formed in the metal. This kind of extreme heat is
necessary in avoiding strain hardening of the metal during deformation.
Advantages: High strain rates and hence easy flow of the metal, recrystallization and recovery
are possible, forces required are [Link]: Lubrication is difficult at high
temperatures, oxidation and scaling occur on the work piece, poor surface finish, less precise
tolerances, possible warping of the materialduring the cooling process.
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