Forging Parts Overview
Forging is a metalworking process that involves pressing a hot metal piece into a mold to create a certain shape. This process has been used for centuries to create components for everyday use. Common types of forged parts include bolts, nuts, fasteners, gears, shafts, propshafts and many others.
The forging process is very versatile and can create a wide variety of components. All types of metals are suitable for forging, including carbon and alloy steels, aluminum, stainless steel, brass, titanium and others. Forging can create any desired shape, whether complicated or simple. Depending on the application, a forging part may need further machining such as drilling, boring and cutting.
Forging can create parts with strength and durability that surpass other manufacturing methods. The high-temperature process used in forging allow the metal to be put under extreme pressure, thereby increasing the strength and fatigue resistance of the material. Forging also allows for tighter quality control over dimensions and thin walls, as well as achieving higher accuracy and repeatability.
The process of forging generally involves four stages: pre-forming, forming, post-forming, and finishing. During pre-forming, the metal is heated to a suitable temperature to make it malleable enough for forming. It is then placed into a mold and is subjected to a combination of pressure and heat. In the second stage, forming, the metal gradually takes the shape of the dies in the mold. After the forging is complete, post-forming processes such as washing, surface preparation, heat treatments and machining are carried out. Finishing processes typically include grinding and polishing.
In addition to being stronger and more durable than other manufacturing methods, forging also offers cost savings in the form of reduced machining or secondary operations. The tighter tolerances that can be achieved with the forging process allow for quick identification and acceptance of parts. The consistent quality achieved by such a well-established method of manufacturing also leads to considerable savings.
Overall, the forging process is a highly reliable and cost-effective method for producing a wide range of parts. The combination of strength and durability make forging an ideal choice for many applications. As a result, forging parts have become a staple in many industries, from automotive to industrial, agricultural and many more.
