Introduction to Forging and Pressing Process
Forging and pressing are two metalworking techniques for forming metal components into specified shapes, sizes and configurations. Through these two metalworking processes, a wide variety of components – from bolts to hangers to large parts – can be manufactured more quickly and accurately. Forging and pressing help to improve metal fatigue and fatigue strength, strength, and ductility of metal components, while also producing large components without defects and high tolerances.
Forging is a metalworking process where a force is applied to metal objects to shape them into certain shapes. The force can come from several sources, such as hammers and presses, or from automated machinery such as hydraulic die-forging machines. Forging typically involves heating the metal object to a set temperature before applying a tool to shape the object. Commonly, the terms forging and pressing are used interchangeably, though they have subtle differences. While the term forging typically refers to non-hollow components, pressing may refer to hollow components.
Pressing is a metalworking process, closely associated with forging, where force is applied to a metal object to shape it into a desired shape. Just like forging, pressing can also be performed with manual or automated machinery. However, the distinction between forging and pressing typically arises when the type of force used and the resulting shape of the object is different. For instance, while forging creates objects of uniform and non-hollow shapes, presses can be used to create parts with varying cross-sections, increased thickness, and hollow shapes. This is possible because pressures from the machine can be applied in differing patterns, radii, axial and lateral directions to create components with a variety of shapes and sizes.
These differences in force and shape creation make forging and pressing two of the most popular used metalworking processes today. Forging can create substantially larger and stronger parts than pressing, making it suitable for objects with very specific tolerances or elements that demand a particularly secure hold or configuration. With these advantages, its not surprising that forging is commonly used for a variety of applications, from large components used in the automotive and aerospace industries to smaller parts like screws and bolts.
On the other hand, pressing is better suited for certain parts compared to forging. One advantage of pressing is that it can be used to produce more complex shapes with more intricate features than with forging. And while metals that are subject to forging may need to be heated first, thats not necessary when using pressing. Heat treatment is available as an option to change the characteristics of the metal if desired, but it isnt necessary to press components. This can also help to reduce costs as well as decrease time needed for simple parts.
Pressing also offers a few distinct advantages over forging when it comes to lubrication. Components that are created via press-formed techniques absorb less lubricant or residue during manufacture, which can help to keep the manufacturing environment safe and reduce the energy needed. This is in stark contrast to forging, where both the process and the surroundings require more energy for the manufacturing process. Lastly, components produced by pressing require less surface treatment after manufacture due in part to the even pressure applied throughout the manufacturing process, which can help parts move quickly and precisely from the factory floor to the buyers loading dock.
In conclusion, forging and pressing are two metalworking processes that are used in a variety of industries to create components with specific shapes, sizes and configurations. While the terms are often used interchangeably, they have subtle differences in terms of processes and capabilities. Forging is better suited to producing large components with precise tolerances and requiring components with secure holds, while pressing advantages include less lubricant and residue absorption, reduced time required for simple parts, as well as less time necessary for post surface completion. In the end, which metalworking technique is used depends on the desired characteristics and shape of the component being produced.
