RO14 1.2.3 Forming processes

Forging, Definition:

Hot forging is a forming process that uses force to reshape heated metal, which is now malleable, into a desired shape. These forged components are both stronger and tougher than equivalent cast components.

Forging, Types:

• Hand forging

• Industrial hot press forging

Forging, Hand, Definition:

A type of forging that has been used for centuries where blacksmiths heat steel until it becomes malleable and can be reshaped with a hammer

Forging, Hand, Tools and equipment(3):

• Forge(coal/charcoal fire with bellows to add air, reaching temperatures over 1000 °C)

• Anvil

• Hand tools like tongs, forging hammer, chisels, punches, and drifts

Forging, Industrial, Definition:

It creates the required component shape in a single operation by taking a heated black or billet of metal and squeezing it between shaped dies. The excess material is squeezed out between the dies and forms a flash that must then be trimmed or ground off.

Forging, Industrial, Tools and equipment(2):

• Flywheel or hydraulic press (able to exert hundreds or thousands of tonnes, depending on the size of the component being forged)

• Forging dies (the two-piece hardened steel dies with a cavity in the shape of the component being forged)

Forging, Safety measures(7):

• Fireproof clothing

• Gauntlets

• Leather apron

• Safety glasses

• Foundry boots

• Hearing protection

• Guards to prevent trapping or impact injuries from industrial forging presses that exert extremely high forces

Press forming, Definition:

It is a cold forming process that bends or shapes sheet metals into components like car body panels, white goods body panels(such as washing machines, fridges or tumble dryers) or desktop computer cases