Forging
NGR offers high-quality forged parts and components made from both ferrous and non-ferrous materials, catering to diverse industries such as automotive, food processing, dairy, machinery, medical equipment, plumbing, irrigation, mining, petrochemicals, electrical, energy, aerospace, submarines, and more.
What Is Metal Forging?
Being a prominent method in metal fabrication, forging involves the application of concentrated compressive forces to shape metal. Over time, forging techniques have evolved significantly, resulting in processes that are not only more efficient and faster but also yield more durable products. Nowadays, forging is typically accomplished using electric, hydraulic, or pneumatic forging presses, as well as hammer tools.
Cold Forging Vs. Hot Forging
There are two primary categories of forging: hot forging and cold forging. These are distinct metal forming processes that yield comparable outcomes.
Hot forging necessitates heating the metal above its recrystallization temperature, which can involve elevating the temperature to as high as 2,300 degrees Fahrenheit. The primary advantage of hot forging lies in the reduced energy required for proper metal shaping. This is attributed to the fact that excessive heat decreases yield strength while enhancing ductility. Furthermore, hot forged products benefit from the elimination of chemical irregularities.
In contrast, cold forging typically involves shaping metal at room temperature, although temperatures below the recrystallization point are also feasible. Some metals, such as high-carbon steel, are too robust for cold forging. Nonetheless, cold forging surpasses its warmer counterpart in terms of dimensional precision, product consistency, surface quality, and avoidance of contamination. Cold forging encompasses various techniques, including bending, extrusion, cold drawing, and cold heading. However, this increased versatility comes at a price, as cold forging requires more potent equipment and may necessitate intermediate annealing processes.
Advantages of Metal Forging
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Sustain the metal's grain alignment.
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Preserve the metal's structural integrity.
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Remove flaws, impurities, and air pockets.
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Achieve cost-effectiveness.
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Maximize production efficiency.
Common Materials Utilized in Metal Forging:
Material | Characteristics | Application |
|---|---|---|
Stainless Steel | · Resistant to corrosion. | · Used across petrochemical, medical, food processing sectors and pressure vessels. · Functional up to 1800°F in low-stress and up to 1250°F under high-stress. |
Low Carbon and Low Alloy Steel | · Straightforward processing · Favorable mechanical characteristics · Cost-effective material | · Extensively utilized at temperatures below 900°F. |
Aluminum | · High strength-to-weight ratio · Easily forgeable | · Primarily used in structural and engine applications within the aircraft and transportation industries, operating at temperatures below 400°F. |
Nickel-Base Superalloy | · Resistance to oxidation · Strength against creep rupture | · Operated within the temperature range of 1200 to 1800°F. · Applied in structural shapes, turbine components, fittings, and valves. |
Titanium | · Impressive strength · Reduced density · Outstanding resistance to corrosion | · 40% lighter than steel components · Suited for temperatures up to 1000°F · Commonly used in aircraft, transportation and chemical industries. |