Forging is a manufacturing process involving the shaping of metal using localized compressive forces. When it comes to forging, there are four main ways to forge a part. Those four are impression die forging, cold forging, open die forgings, and seamless rolled ring forging. Let’s take a look at each type of the four main forgings.
Impression Die Forging
Commonly referred to as closed-die forging, impression die forging pounds or presses metal between two dies that contain a precut profile of the desired part. Impression die forging uses steel, aluminum, titanium and other alloys to produce a variety of 3-D shapes that range in weight from mere ounces up to more than 25 tons.
Cold Forging
While most forging is done hot, cold forging is done at colder temperatures. Cold forging encompasses many processes — bending, cold drawing, cold heading, coining, extrusions and more, to yield a diverse range of part shapes. These include various shaft-like components, cup-shaped geometry’s, hollow parts with stems and shafts, all kinds of upset and bent configurations, as well as combinations.
Open Die Forging
Open-die forging can produce forgings from a few pounds up to more than 150 tons. This process is referred to as open die because the metal is not confined laterally by impression dies during forging. Open die forging is ideal for parts over 200,000 lbs. and 80 feet in length.
Seamless Rolled Ring Forging
Seamless rolled ring forging is typically performed by punching a hole in a thick, round piece of metal and then rolling and squeezing the donut into a thin ring. Ring diameters can be anywhere from a few inches to 30 feet.
Are You Looking for Forgings?
Whether it’s impression die, cold, open die, or seamless rolled ring, at Ferralloy we have the forgings for you. Contact us today to learn more.
