Extrusion And Forging: Everything You Need To Know

The truth is that most people think that extrusion and forging are similar processes. Well, in as much as there are some similarities, extrusion and forging are two different processes. As a newbie, it is in your interest to ensure that you understand all the differences between extrusion and forging. That way, you will not have a hard time doing shopping for the parts that you need. Here are important things that you should know about extrusion and forging:

Preliminary vs. Final Product

One of the major differences between extrusion and forging is that extrusion is more of a preliminary process, while forging is a final procedure. In other words, the billet is first undertaken through a hitting or pressuring session without a particular shape in mind. Therefore, extrusion can lead to the formation of different shapes and dimensions depending on the pressure exerted.

On the other hand, forging is more of a final product stage since it entails the formation of a specific shape. In this case, the manufacturer has already established the shape that is needed; hence the process is to ensure that the specific form is achieved. Only room for minimal customization is left in the forging process.

Both Processes Require Impact and Pressure

The similarity between extrusion and forging is that pressure and impact are required. The extrusion process does not necessarily work along with the stipulated shape or formation. However, the billet must be subjected to pressure for deformation to be achieved. On the other hand, forging equally requires some impact and pressure. In this case, there is a pre-determined shape that must be achieved. Therefore, pressure and impact on billet in the forging process are articulated to precision.

Cold and Hot Processes Applicable

In both cases, the process can be either hot or cold depending on the preference of the customer or the stipulated output by the manufacturer. Cold forging and extrusion take place at room temperature, while hot extrusion and forging take place in extremely hot conditions.

Hot Die Forging: Everything Forging Parts Buyers Needed To Know

Most of the tough metals, such as steel, are forged through the hot die forging process. This is where a metal workpiece is heated under very high temperatures before deformation from its original form. The hot die forging includes the use of dies, which gives the forged parts the shape and size. Here is everything you need to know about the hot die forging process:

What is Hot Die Forging?

A process in which a metal workpiece is heated to crystallization temperatures before being pressed into different forms. A workpiece is heated about 75% of its melting temperature. These high temperatures are required to create plasticity. Metals forged through this method are; copper, carbon steel, nickel alloys, and titanium.

These are metals with a very high formability ratio, and high temperatures prevent damage during the deformation process as well as make them pliable to make intricate shapes.

What is the Process of Hot Forging?

The hot fording method is the commonly used method in many manufacturing industries. Metals workpiece is placed inside a furnace with very high-temperature ranges. The workpiece is heated above its recrystallization point, after which it is smashed into a die.

The dies and tools used in forging are also preheated to limit a reduction in the temperature of the workpiece when they are in contact. The process of maintaining the workpiece temperatures throughout the process by heating the dies is called Isothermal Forging.

Isothermal forging takes place in a vacuumed area or in a glass coating to avoid temperature reduction due to conduction. This also limits oxidation because there is no interference of inert gas inside the vacuum.

What are the Advantages of Hot Forging?

Hot forging is mainly used in automotive machines industries because the metals must be touched for resistance to wear and tear. Below are some of the advantages why hot forging is preferred.

Toughness and strength metal

Parts forged through hot die forging are more strong and tough when they cool down. This gives them the durability and the wear resistance needed.

Complex designs

During this process, metals are very high heated, and the tools are also preheated. This makes it easier to mold shapes and very complex designs to the maximum.

Ductility

Metals are molded easily into a new form without breaking, and this avoids wastage of materials hence, a reduction of cost.