BeginnerTopic 14 of 102Manufacturing, Robotics & Systems
Forming and forging
Plastic deformation with compressive forces to shape metals.
In depth
Forging shapes heated or cold metal by compressive forces (open die, closed die, upset). Improves grain flow and strength; forces estimated from flow stress and contact area. Cold forging gives better finish; hot forging allows large deformation. Flash and draft angles apply.
Key points
- Hammers and presses
- Forging temperature
- Grain flow
ExampleCrankshafts and connecting rods are forged for fatigue strength.
What is Forming and forging?
Plastic deformation with compressive forces to shape metals.
Why is it important to understand forming and forging?
Forging and forming shape metal by plastic deformation, which refines the grain flow and gives strong parts.
What is grain flow in a forging?
The alignment of grain structure along the shape of the part, which increases strength and fatigue life in the direction of the flow.
Why is hot forging used?
Heating the metal lowers the stress needed to deform it, so larger shapes can be produced with less force.
How is Forming and forging used in practice?
Typical applications include forging a crankshaft that must withstand fatigue loads, forming a sheet into a car panel in a press and upsetting the head of a bolt by cold heading.
What should I learn before Forming and forging?
Study "Casting" first (topic 13 of 102 in Manufacturing, Robotics & Systems). It covers the groundwork this topic builds on.
What are the key points of Forming and forging?
Hammers and presses. Forging temperature. Grain flow.
Can you give an example of Forming and forging?
Crankshafts and connecting rods are forged for fatigue strength.
What comes after Forming and forging?
The next topic is "Rolling, extrusion and drawing", which builds directly on this one.
How difficult is Forming and forging?
It is classed as Beginner in Manufacturing, Robotics & Systems (topic 14 of 102). It is an entry-level topic. It relies only on basic school mathematics and the ideas introduced earlier in this discipline.