Custom Forging Solutions

 

Forgings are superior to metal parts produced by other methods in their compatibility with other manufacturing processes

The characteristically uniform refinement of crystalline structure in forged components assures superior response to all forms of heat treatment, maximum possible development of desired properties, and unequaled uniformity. Because forged components of weldable materials have a near absence of structural defects, material at welding surfaces offers the best possible opportunity for strong, efficient welds by any welding technique. Again, the near absence of internal discontinuities or surface inclusions in forgings provides a dependable machining base for metal-cutting processes such as turning, milling, drilling, boring, broaching, and shear spinning; and shaping processes such as electrochemical machining, chemical milling, electrical-discharge machining, and plasma jet techniques. Forged parts are readily fabricated by assembling processes such as welding, bolting, or riveting. More importantly, single-piece forgings can often be designed to eliminate the need for assemblies. In many applications, forgings are ready for use without surface conditioning or machining. Forged surfaces are suited to plating, polishing, painting, or treatment with decorative or protective coatings.
 

Forging Spans the Metallurgical Spectrum

Aluminum Forging Design Considerations 

Characteristic

  • Readily forged
  • Combines low density with good strength-to-weight ratio 

Application

  • Primarily for structural and engine applications in the aircraft and transportation industries where temperatures do not exceed 400°F.
     

Magnesium Forgings

Characteristic

  • Offer the lowest density of any commercial metal

Application

  • Usually employed at service temperatures lower than 500°F but certain alloys provide short-time service to 700°F.
     

Copper, Bronze & Brass Forgings

Characteristic

  • Well-suited to forging
  • Electrical and thermal conductivity

Application

  • Important for applications requiring corrosion resistance.
     

Low-Carbon and Low-Alloy Steel Forgings 

Characteristic

  • Low material cost
  • Easily processed
  • Good mechanical properties
  • Varied response to heat treatment gives designers a choice of properties in the finished forging

Application

  • Comprise the greatest volume of forgings produced for service applications up to 900°F.
     

Microalloy / HSLA Steel Forgings 

Characteristic

  • Low material cost
  • Cost benefit derived from simplified thermomechanical treatment
  • Equivalent mechanical properties to many carbon and low-alloy steels

Application

  • Various automotive and truck applications including crankshafts, connecting rods, yokes, pistons, suspension and steering components, spindles, hubs, and trunions.
     

Special-Alloy Steel Forgings 

Characteristic

  • Permit forgings with more than 300,000 psi yield strength at room temperature

Application

  • Used in transportation, mining, industrial and agricultural equipment, as well as high-stress applications in missiles and aircraft.
     

Stainless Steel Forgings

Characteristic

  • Corrosion-resistant

Application

  • Used in pressure vessels, steam turbines, and many other applications in the chemical, food processing, petroleum, and hospital services industries. Used for high-stress service at temperatures up to 1,250°F and low-stress service to 1,800°F and higher. Nickel-Base.
     

Nickel-Base Superalloy Forgings 

Characteristic

  • Creep-rupture strength
  • Oxidation resistance

Application

  • Service in the 1,200-1,800°F range. Structural shapes, turbine components, and fittings and valves.
     

Titanium Forgings 

Characteristic

  • High strength
  • Low density
  • Excellent corrosion resistance
  • Alloys offer yield strengths in the 120,000 to 180,000 psi range at room temperatures

Application

  • Used primarily in the temperature services to 1,000°F. Configurations nearly identical to steel parts are forgeable and 40% lighter in weight. Aircraft-engine components and structurals, ship components, and valves and fittings in transportation and chemical industries.
     

Refractory Metal Forgings 

Characteristic

  • Include columbium, molybdenum, tantalum, and tungsten and their alloys
  • Enhanced resistance to creep in high-thermal environments

Application

  • High-temperature applications involving advanced chemical, electrical, and nuclear propulsion systems and flight vehicles.
     

Zirconium Forgings

Characteristic

  • Corrosion-resistant

Application

  • Produced in relatively limited quantities and used almost exclusively in nuclear applications.

 

Why Forgings are  Best

Forging Advantages