Metal forging is the process in which metals are formed and shaped using compressive forces. The forces are delivered using hammering, pressing, or rolling.

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There are a number of forging processes &#; cold forging, warm forging, and hot forging &#; which are classified by the temperature of the metal being worked with.

Forging is one of the more pivotal metalworking processes in the metal manufacturing industry. It&#;s especially vital in the iron and steel industries and is viewed as a tremendous source of productivity.

The Origins of Metal Forging

Metal forging has deep roots in human history, dating back thousands of years. The process was initially simple, involving heating metal and beating it into shape using basic tools. Early humans discovered the transformative potential of heating metals in fires and then hammering them into desired forms. Over time, these rudimentary techniques evolved, giving birth to more advanced methods and tools.

The earliest known metal to be forged by humans was gold, a metal that was relatively easy to shape due to its low melting point. As humans advanced technologically, they began to work with other metals like copper, bronze, iron, and steel. The discovery and mastery of iron forging marked a significant milestone in human civilization, leading to the Iron Age.

What is The Metal Forging Process?

When choosing a type of forging, buyers have a long list of options for producing a critical metal component. It can be challenging to make the right choice, because each technique comes with varying pros and cons, revolving around costs and logistics.

However, choosing the forging method brings a plethora of unique benefits unavailable with any other choice.

With regards to price and overall quality, metal forging brings the most value. This notion rings doubly when maximum part strength, custom sizes, and critical performance specifications are needed for the application.

Here are some of the more common methods used:

• Closed die forging
• Open die forging
• Cold forging
• Roll forging

Open Die Forging, Closed Die Forging, and Roll Forging

The most common metal forging processes are open die forging, closed die forging, and roll forging.

What is Open Die Forging?

In open die forging, heated metal parts are shaped between a top die attached to a ram and a bottom die attached to a bolster, anvil, or hammer. With open die forging the metal is never completely confined or restrained in the dies.

Typically, temperatures range from anywhere between 500°F and °F, the appropriate temperatures are applied when working the metal parts.  Once the metal has been appropriately heated, the intricate hammering &#; or pressing of the workpiece &#; is performed to gradually shape the metal to its desired form.

Typically, the open die forging process is used to produce larger, simpler-shaped parts such as bars, rings, and hollows.

What is Closed Die Forging?

Closed die forging moves the die towards each other, covering the workpiece entirely or partially. There is heated raw material that&#;s nearing the shape/size of the final forged part and is placed in the bottom die.

This process works by incorporating the shape of the forging into the top or bottom die as a negative image. Once the process starts, the impact of the top die on the metal material forms it into the required forged form.

This process can be used to manufacture parts that range in size from a few ounces to 60,000 lbs.

What is Roll Forging?

Roll forging, also known as roll forming, is a forging method that uses opposing rolls to form a metal part. Even though roll forging uses rolls to produce parts and components, it is still considered a metal forging process and not a rolling process.

The process involves two cylindrical or semi-cylindrical horizontal rolls that are used to deform a round or flat bar stock. Through this action, the thickness is reduced, and the length is increased. Parts produced through roll forging have superior mechanical properties than those produced from many other processes.

After being inserted, a heated bar is passed between the two rolls. It&#;s progressively shaped while rolling through the machine&#;s shaped grooves. The precisely shaped geometry of these grooves are what forge the part to the specified dimensions.

Roll forging is often used to produce parts for the automotive industry. It is also used to produce things like knives and hand tools.

Standard Forging Equipment

There are several primary tools that are used in the metal forging process depending on the exact method being used.

Forge

The forge is the primary heating apparatus used to reach the required temperature for forging. Modern forges utilize gas or electric heat sources.

Hammers

The hammer, or power hammer, is a tool most commonly associated with forging. Whether a hand-held hammer or a massive power hammer, the tool is used to repeatedly hit the metal in order to deform it. As long as it possesses a 50,000 lbs driving force to deliver high-pressure impact blows, a hammer can pound metal into shape.

Presses

Presses use either mechanical or hydraulic pressure to apply continuous pressure on forging dies. This kind of equipment requires a 50,000 ton driving force to vertically squeeze metal into die cavities with controlled high pressure. Instead of hitting the metal repeatedly to deform it, the metal is slowly pressed into the dies.

Upsetters

Upsetter forging is similar to press forging, however, the main difference is that an upsetter is a forging press that is used horizontally. Instead of forcing the metal downward into a die, the metal is moved into the die impression in a horizontal direction.

Ring Rollers

Ring rollers are used to produce rings with diameters from just a few inches to over 300 inches. Ring rollers squeeze out a one-piece ring, which removes the need for welding. It turns a hollow round piece of metal under extreme pressure against a rotating roll.

How Does Forging Strengthen Metal?

Compared to other manufacturing methods, metal forging is known to produce some of the strongest manufactured parts available.  As the metal is heated and pressed, minor cracks are sealed and empty spaces found in the metal are closed up.

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In addition, the hot forging process breaks up any impurities in the metal and redistributes such material across the metalwork. This results in vastly reduced inclusions in the forged part. Inclusions are compound materials embedded inside steel throughout manufacturing, causing stress points in the product.

Even though impurities should be managed during the initial casting process, this process will further refine the metal.

Another way that forging strengthens metal is through the altering of its grain structure. This has to do with the material&#;s grain flow as it deforms. Like other forming processes, a favorable grain structure can be created, making the forged metal sturdier.

What Products Require Forged Metal?

Image above: Alignment pins manufactured via forging by TFG USA.

The forging process is incredibly versatile and can be applied to anything from small parts measured in inches to components that weigh up to 700,000 lbs.

Forged products can be structural components in the following:

Agricultural Equipment

Agricultural equipment often relies on metal forged parts to endure the demanding conditions of the farming landscape. Tractors, plows, harrows, and combine harvesters, essential for modern agriculture, incorporate metal forged components like gears, axles, and blades.

The superior strength and resilience of these forged parts ensure the machines can handle the rigors of tilling, planting, harvesting, and more. Farmers benefit from increased efficiency, durability, and reduced maintenance costs, ultimately contributing to higher agricultural productivity and sustainable farming practices.

Construction Equipment

Construction equipment, built to withstand rigorous demands, extensively utilizes parts created by metal forging. Heavy machinery such as excavators, bulldozers, cranes, and pile drivers integrate critical forged components like pins, gears, cylinders, and structural parts.

The resilience and robustness of forged metal ensure these machines can endure the tough conditions of construction sites, lifting heavy loads, excavating, and shaping the landscape. By utilizing metal forging, construction equipment achieves longevity, safety, and efficiency, essential for completing diverse projects ranging from buildings and bridges to roads and dams.

Oil Mining Equipment

Metal forging plays a crucial role in the manufacturing of durable and robust components for oil mining equipment. Drill bits, couplings, valves, and pump components are commonly forged to withstand the demanding conditions of oil extraction.

The extreme pressures and abrasive environments of oil drilling necessitate the strength and durability that forged parts offer. By using forged components, the oil industry achieves heightened operational efficiency, minimizing downtime and maintenance costs. These specially crafted forged parts endure the relentless rigors of oil mining, ensuring a reliable and efficient extraction process vital to meeting global energy demands.

Railroad Equipment

The railway industry relies on metal forging for the reliable and safe operation of trains and rail systems. Vital components like axles, wheelsets, couplers, and connecting rods are forged to endure the immense stresses encountered during rail operations.

The durability and high strength of these forged parts ensure the safety of passengers, cargo, and railway infrastructure. By incorporating forged components, the railway sector achieves enhanced performance, longevity, and the ability to efficiently transport people and goods across vast distances, contributing to the backbone of modern transportation and trade.

Also, forging is used to fortify hand tools (e.g., chisels, rivets, screws, and bolts).

What is the Best metal for Forging?

It&#;s possible to forge any kind of metal, but there are certain metals and alloys that are better suited for different applications.

Most commonly, these are the kinds of metals that get forged:

• Carbon, alloy, and stainless steel
• Exceptionally hard tool steels
• Aluminum
• Titanium
• Brass and copper
• High-temperature alloys containing cobalt, nickel, or molybdenum

Out of these choices, it&#;s almost impossible to choose which is the &#;best,&#; as it really depends on the needs of a customer.

Economics 101 for Metal Forging

In smaller quantities, forged parts can be very expensive on a price per unit basis. This is primarily due to manufacturing forging die coming at a high upfront cost &#; a trait shared by other expenses associated with setting up shop.

Once everything has been set up and you&#;ve purchased the dies, the actual costs for operating are reasonably affordable, especially with automation playing a massive role. Taking this into consideration, this metal fabrication method is typically best for products that are being produced in more substantial quantities.

As the world continues to modernize, high-quality manufactured parts will only grow in demand. Since forging produces some of the strongest metals imaginable, it should be no surprise that the market is projected to be worth $131.32 billion by .

Starting A Metal Forging Project

If you&#;re interested in producing custom metal parts or components and think that metal forging may be the best option for you, don&#;t hesitate to give The Federal Group USA a call.  Our experienced support team members will go through your project requirements with you, help you determine the best course of action, and provide you with a free quote for your project. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.

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The Different Types of Forging Processes 

What are the Different Types of Forging Processes?

Four types of forging manufacturing processes are commonly used to shape metal parts. These metal forging processes include impression die forging (closed die), open die forging, cold forging, and seamless rolled ring forging. Using localized compressive forces, metal forgings provide a highly effective way to create various parts for all applications.

Great Lakes Forge is a proud provider of open die forging services and other types of forging operations. Contact us today for more information about open die forging and learn what we can do for you.

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Impression Die Forging

Often referred to as closed die forging, the impression die forging process utilizes dies that completely enclose the base material, making it easier to shape the material into its desired shape. Compared to other types of forging operations, impression die forging requires greater compressive forces to ensure the die cavities are filled and form the complete part.

Impression Die Forging Advantages

• Generate less metal waste
• Higher production rates
• Provides enhanced fatigue and impact resistance
• Produces parts with higher strength-to-weight ratios

Cold Forging

The cold forging process is designed to create parts and components that display enhanced surface finish quality and tight tolerance dimensions. Unlike most other types of forging, cold forging does not utilize heat for part structure shaping but rather colder temperatures to produce various components.

Cold forging is used to create various parts and components, including shafts, hollow parts with shafts and stems, odd configurations, and cup-shaped geometries.

Cold Forging Advantages

• Creates tight tolerances
• Produces good surface finish quality
• Economical
• Little to no material waste
• Dies last longer than those used for heat forging
• Increased yield and tensile strength
• Gold
• Silver
• Copper
• Brass

Cold Forging Material Options

• Gold
• Silver
• Copper
• Brass

Custom Forged Parts

Open Die Forging

Also referred to as hammersmith forging, open die manufactured parts are shaped through direct force. A hammer strikes and deforms the workpiece, held in place by two flat dies. This process is called open die forging because the dies do not enclose the workpiece. Within this metal forging process, the dies act more like tools rather than enclosed molds.

Open die forging can produce forgings from a few pounds up to more than 150 tons and is ideal for parts weighing over 200,000 lbs. and 80 feet long.

Open Die Forging Advantages

• Improved fatigue resistance
• Continuous grain flow
• Longer part life
• Increased strength
• Less chance of voids
• Finer grain size

Open Die Forging

Seamless Rolled Ring Forging

Typically performed by punching a hole in a thick, round piece of metal and then rolling and squeezing the donut into a thin ring, seamless rolled ring forging processes are ideal for producing ring diameters ranging from a few inches to 30 feet. Compared to other types of forging, rolled ring forging utilizes curved dies instead of flat dies to form ring-shaped components.

Seamless Rolled Ring Forging Advantages

• Superior structural integrity
• Increased strength
• Controlled directional flow
• Eliminates welding, inclusions, and porosity

Contact Great Lakes Forge for Expert Open Die Forging Services

Great Lakes Forge is your trusted provider of open die forging services for metal part manufacturing. Contact us for more information on our custom forging service options, or call us at 800-748-, and we&#;ll help you find the best custom forging solutions for your project.

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