Forging technology of metal
Before the industrial revolution, forging was the most common metal processing technology. For example, horseshoes, cold weapons, and armor were forged by hand (commonly known as hammering) by blacksmiths from all over the world. He repeatedly heated and hammered the metal to obtain the desired shape.
Forging technology of metal
Process cost: mold cost (medium high), single piece cost (medium).
Typical products: hand tools, armor, vehicles, aerospace, heavy machinery, etc. output suitable for: single piece and small batch quality: outstanding particle structure greatly increases the strength of the workpiece speed: single piece time is generally less than 1min, depending on the size, shape and material selection.
Suitable materials
- 1. Especially suitable for ferrous metals (including ferrous metals), such as alloy and stainless steel.
- 2. Some non-ferrous metals, such as titanium, copper and aluminum, are also suitable for forging.
Design considerations
1. The wall thickness of forging workpiece should be controlled within 5mm-250mm (0.2-9.84in).
2. The reference weight of forging workpiece is between 0.25kg (0.55lb) – 60kg (132lb).
3. Part error: the error of small parts is 1mm (0.04in), and that of large parts is 5mm (0.2in).
Detailed explanation of technological process (picture and text)
Open close die forging: the heated metal block (yellow part) is hammered by upper and lower dies to extend the metal shape. It must be operated by experienced operators.
Closed die forging: the heated metal block (yellow part) is hammered by upper and lower dies for rapid prototyping of metal.
Example 1: forging process of Lannister’s sword.
Example 2: forging process of iron leaf (picture + video).
Example 3: forging process of piston cover (multiple figures).
Example 4: other metal forging products (multiple pictures).
