The forging processes change the shape of a metal workpiece at either cold or hot temperatures; to form a desired design.
Whether to use hot or cold forging depends on the function and volume of the individual component part.
Forging
What is Forging?
Hot Forging Process
Hot Forging or Hot Stamping is a production process which “hammers” metal between two dies to form the desired shape. Half of the die is attached to the “hammer” (upper section) and the lower half of the die is attached to the “anvil” (lower section).
A metal “blank” is placed in the lower half of the die and then “struck” with the upper die. The force of the strike forces the metal to flow in all directions, filling the die cavity and giving the parts a very strong grain structure. Excess metal is squeezed out between the die faces, and is called flash or flashing. After the forging operation, the flash is cut off in another press with a trimming die.
Cold Forging Process
Cold forging (or cold heading) is the process of forging metals at near room temperatures.
In cold forging, metal is formed at high speed and high pressure into tool steel or carbide dies. The cold working of the metal increases the hardness, yield, and tensile strengths.
Cold forging has many benefits and in recent years technology has improved significantly. The main benefits of cold forging are:
- Design Versatility
- High Production Rates and Repeatability
- Almost 100% Material Utilisation (No Waste)
- High Product Strength
- Almost No Secondary Machining Required
All of the above makes Cold Forging an extremely cost competitive option.
