How Are Steel Forgings Made?
Steel forging is a process in which steel is pounded, pressed or squeezed under high pressure to form high-strength parts, or forgings. Forgings vary in size, shape and complexity, and serve many industrial purposes. Different forging methods can be used to produce them.
Other People Are Reading
-
Types
-
There are two types of forging processes: impact forging and press forging, according to a writer on the Key to Metals website. Impact forging involves striking the steel and reshaping it quickly. Press forging changes the steel's shape by subjecting it to a gradual increase in pressure over a sustained time period. In both processes, the steel is typically heated to a desired temperature before it is shaped. The Key to Metals writer reports that more than 90 percent of forging processes rely on heat to help work the metal. Forging of smaller parts is sometimes done cold.
Equipment
-
Types of forging equipment include hammers, presses, upsetters and ring rollers. According to the Forging Industry Association, hammers used for impact forging can deliver up 50,000 lbs. of driving force, while presses used for press forging can apply up to 50,000 tons of vertical hydraulic pressure. Upsetters are basically horizontal presses and ring rollers produce one-piece rings.
-
Applications
-
The forging process produces parts that are stronger than those made using other steel-shaping processes. Consequently, they are commonly used inside assembled items where reliability and human safety are important, such as airplanes, cars, ships, engines and oil drilling equipment.
-
References
Resources
- Photo Credit Oilfield Pump Jack in Texas Oil Patch image by Doodlebugs from Fotolia.com
