Forging in India is one of the most important industrial processes that are used in the manufacturing sector. It is basically a process that is used to provide the forging metal, the required shape. Forging in small workshops is basically one by heating the metal and then hammering it to give the proper shape but on the industrial level, there are several types of forging processes that are used. In the manufacturing industry, the forging is done with proper precision by using a forging machine to provide the material with a proper finish, to provide it with the best qualities and to reduce the time consumed in the process by mostly automating it.
What is forging or Metal Forge?
Forging is one of the most important manufacturing processes used on the industrial scale and the process has been used extensively for manufacturing the machine parts since the times of Industrial Revolution. But back in those times forging was more or less a work of the blacksmiths but in the world today forging machine is used to ensure the precision forging and to speed up the process.
Metal forge or Forging is basically the process of shaping a metal into the required shape by applying external localised forces. The force is delivered basically by using an industrial hammer or a die cast. There are several types of forging and they are generally classified on the basis of temperature used as well as on the basis of the process that is used. Though forging has been used extensively since the times of Industrial Revolution but forging in India has now become a full-scale industry.
Types of Forging:
The classification of forging process is basically done on the basis of the temperature that is being used in the forging and the other form of classification is based on the process that is followed. There are several types of forging but the most common types are listed below:
- Drop forging
- Open die drop forging
- Closed die forging
- Press Forging
- Upset forging
- Roll forging
- Net shape and near shape forging
- Automated hot forging
- Cold forging
- Multidirectional forging
- Induction forging
Benefits of Forging:
- With the precision forging, the finished material can be obtained with exact dimensions and good surface finish. Hence, very low machining is required.
- Several types of forging metal can be used in the process. From aluminium forging, steel to brass, most of the metals or alloys can be used in forging process.
- Highly cost effective
- The final products obtained have superior grain flow, high strength and durability than the machined or casted machine parts.
Forging Process:
The process of forging differs with the type of forging that is being used. Like for the drop forging, the material is heated above the recrystallization temperature then it is shaped with hammer blows whereas the for the closed die forging, a closed die is used for shaping the material. Therefore, the process changes with the type of forging that are to be used and the strength or ductility that you want your finished product to have.