Many people have never heard of foraged steel, but little do they know it’s used all around them. Most things made out of metal can be made stronger with forged steel! Forging was originally implemented to produce different kinds of steel ends with distinct properties. Currently, hydraulic hammers, and other forging machines and processes, make it possible for the development of steel forgings.
Process and Categories of Steel Forgings
Process of Producing Forged Steel
The forging process begins by heating the steel to a high temperature, making the material more malleable and ductile. Next, it will be formed to the desired shape by applying the right amount of pressure to the steel. With the precise processing methods, steel forgings make it possible for a billet of steel to permanently be shaped without compromising its quality.Additionally, steel forgings require a forge oven, forge furnace, or any forging heating system to sufficiently deliver the precise temperature needed. Furthermore, the deformation and thermal cycle process allow for rain refinement and metallurgical recrystallization to strengthen the finished product. This process is important to improve impact toughness and quality.
Categories
Steel forgings can be divided into 3 categories: the cold, warm, or hot forging of steel. Cold steel requires room temperature forging require a room temperature forging. The process often involves a self-heating method in which temperature may reach up to 150 degrees Celsius. This category requires high forming forces and low formability.As for warm forgings, the temperature reaches between 750 and 900 degrees Celsius. However, just like cold steel forgings, this category needs higher forming forces but only has limited formability.Lastly, hot forgings may reach up to 1250 degrees Celsius. Since the temperature is often above the recrystallization level, this forging category only requires low forming forces and still has good formability results.
More Information about Steel Forgings
Aside from the forging process and categories involved, there is still a lot of information you need to know before purchasing forged steel. Additionally, you should know the advantages, disadvantages, properties used. At Ferralloy Inc., our friendly experts will lay down all the facts you need to know. Contact us today!