Forging Connected Language
Forging is a form of metalworking which involves adding heat to shape metal components. It dates back to prehistoric times when it was used for tools, weapons and other items. Throughout the centuries, forging has evolved considerably to keep up with changing technology and materials. Today, it is used in many industries, particularly in the automotive and aerospace industries.
Forging technology is a complex, nuanced activity that relies on a variety of specialized skills and processes, including heating, hammering, pressing and rolling. The goal is to create a joined metal part or component that is stronger than either the individual pieces or forged parts could be on their own. This is done by forging materials together, combining the material properties of each and forming strong bonds between them.
Forged parts are often highly specialized and can take many different forms, depending on the material and application. Common examples of forged parts include gears, shafts, axles, rings and flanges. Some of the more advanced forging techniques include die forging, which uses a blocking die to shape the metal into defined dimensions, and isothermal forging, which uses extreme heat created by a plasma torch to shape the metal.
The development of forging technology has been essential to the advancement of metal manufacturing over the years. Its capabilities enable robust performance and superior strength for metalwork of all kinds, which has been important for hugely varied projects such as spacecrafts, ship propellers and bridges.
As the production of metal components become more complex and materials become ever more advanced, the techniques used in forging technology continue to evolve. While some aspects remain the same, engineers and other metalworking professionals have formed a number of connected language and terms based on changes in technology, materials and applications.
For example, modern manufacturing processes often involve die technology, where pieces are cast into a die either through pressing or impact. As die fabrication has become more advanced, so too have the terms associated with it; terms such as ‘forming’, ‘drawing’ and ‘deep drawing’ are commonly used to describe these processes. Similarly, the term ‘casting’ is often used when referring to metals that have been heated and formed into a specific shape or dimension.
The forging-related language and terminology developed over time has been essential for the continued advancement of metalworking technology. As the process of alloying and forging become increasingly intertwined, the terms and definitions used to describe them have become ever more precise, providing a way to communicate the varying nuances of the processes. This language has connected the different elements of metalworking technology and opened the doors to further innovation.
