Forging
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Contents |
Process
Forging is another process used to shape metals, but with several key differences from machining or casting. With forging, the shaping takes place through plastic deformation. Traditionally, this was done by black smiths, hammering the material into shape while resting it on an even harder surface, the anvil. In modern forges the work is done by a machine, such as a hydrolic press, where the metal is sandwiched between two die halves. These dies are subsiquently pressed together with a gradually increasing force. One advantage of using plastic deformation is the strengthening properties of the process. As the material deforms, the grains become aligned, increasing the strength of the material. However, some metals, such as iron, become too hard if they are forged cold. For these materials, hot forging ensures they remain suitably pliable througout the forging process. For hot forging, the metal is heated prior to being deformed and quenched in a water bath (slack tub) afterwards.
Tools
- Hammer
- Tongs
- Anvil
- Bellows
- Slack tub
Costs
Forgeable Materials and Components
Forging is almost exclusively used for shaping metals. Softer materials such as wood would not stand up under the rigorous conditions of the forging process. Hot Forgable Metals:
- Iron
- Steel
- Aluminum
- Titanium
These materials are hot forged because they ca
Relevence to Design
Forging should be chosen for components that require very high strength. As the metal is repeatedly heated, shaped, and cooled, the gain actually changes to flow with the shape of the part, resulting in a larger strength than casting or machining. It also has an advantage over machining parts in that no material is cut away and wasted.
