The Closed-Die Forging Process–Heating the Metals
Following on from part two of the closed-die forging process (choosing your metal), we’re taking a look at the next step, heating the metals.
After the customer has chosen their metal and had the mould created, it’s time to begin the closed-die forging process. Before the actual shaping takes place however, we need to get the metal ready.
To prepare the metal for forging it needs to be heated to a desired temperature. Metals are made up of atoms which form a symmetrical structure. When the metal is heated it displaces those atoms to form a new structure. This process is known as allotropic phase transformation and can alter the hardness, strength and ductility of the metal.
Even though the atoms are displaced in the forging process, steel grain flow is uninterrupted in the forging process which makes for a stronger part.
The metal is heated in either a fire or a furnace often referred to as a forge. This process usually takes around 10-15 minutes depending on the diameter of the metal. When hot enough it is then transported to the forging machine using tongs.
On average the metals need to be heated to the following temperatures:
Aero Steel Forging: 1180 degrees Celsius
Large Commercial Steel Forging: 1230 degrees Celsius
Brass Forging: 720 degrees Celsius
Once it has been heated to the right temperature it can be placed in the moulds. You have around 40 seconds to respond to heated metal before it cools. If the bar drops below a cherry red, it goes back in the furness. If it cools and it doesn’t get reheated there is a possibility it may break.
The moulds can then compress the heated metal into the the desired shape. We shall take a deeper look into this in our forthcoming blog.
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Victoria Forging has been providing high quality forging services since 1904. We have worked with some high profile brands and have a wide range of knowledge about the industry. Get in touch with us today to discuss your forging requirements.
