Forging Blanks of alloy steel
Forging is a process of forming metal parts that involve the exertion of a large amount of force. An alloy steel forging blank is the material which is meant to become the finished part in both cold and hot forging processes.
Alloy steel is a combination of two or more elements; at least one of these being a base metal. It can also contain carbon and other alloying elements, like chromium and manganese, which improve the mechanical properties of the material. To create a forging blank from this material, a specifically designed die is formed for each end of the blank. The intensities of the forming process and the tooling design determine whether hot or cold forging will be used for the blank.
When cold forging is used, the blank is usually processed in a series of operations. The blank will be shaped by bending or pressing it between tools to form it into the desired shape in a process called cold heading. The parts may be cut or machined to give them a finished look. Cold forging has the advantage over hot forging because no heat is used, eliminating the risk of burning the blank and shortening production time.
Hot forging, on the other hand, is used to create a forging blank when the intensity of the forming process requires the use of heat. The blank is first heated in a furnace, then machined under tremendous pressure to create the desired shape and finish. Hot forging requires more time and care to ensure the blank is not permanently damaged by overheating. When hot forging is done properly, however, the blank can have superior strength and resist heat well.
In either case, the alloy steel material chosen for the job must be capable of withstanding the strain that is applied during the forging process. It must also be corrosion-resistant and have the ability to resist wear and tear since the part will be exposed to a wide range of environmental conditions.
Forging is a complex process because of its reliance on several variables. It is important to consider all of these variables when selecting the right alloy steel for forging blanks. Although it can be a difficult and expensive process to get the perfect material for each job, in the end a quality forging blank will be the result.
