Press forging is the process of gradually changing a steel billet&#;s shape by compressing the steel between two large dies that are either hydraulically or mechanically manipulated. However, it&#;s not just about applying pressure. 

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The raw material is heated to a temperature that surpasses its recrystallization temperature (400 degrees Celsius to 700 degrees Celsius, or 752 degrees Fahrenheit to 1,292 degrees Fahrenheit). Once that happens, the crystal lattice structure of the steel is broken down, making the steel more ductile.

Due to the heating process, the steel becomes &#;softer&#; or more malleable, so its shape can be changed more easily by the pressure applied by the two dies. 

Our team at Trenton Forging controls the steel temperature during the forging process and the cooling rate to meet a customer&#;s specific tensile strength and hardness requirements.

What Presses Are Used in This Method?

Three types of presses can be used in the forging process: mechanical, hydraulic, and screw.

Mechanical presses convert the rotational power of a motorized flywheel into compressive force by way of either a knuckle joint, eccentric, or other mechanism to apply pressure onto the steel billet. 

A hydraulic press uses fluid pressure to create force. In a hydraulic press, the pump fills up the cylinder immediately below the piston, which causes the pressure on the piston to increase. Then, the fluid is released through another channel above the piston. It&#;s this constant build-up and release of pressure through the top and bottom of the piston that makes the hydraulic press move up and down. Hydraulic presses are sometimes used for open die forging. 

A screw press uses both hydraulic and mechanical motors. The rotational energy in the flywheel and screw is converted into the downward force of the ram. The screw continuously produces energy through rotation as the ram pushes down. After one full stroke, the flywheel and screw reset to their original position, and the process starts again.

At Trenton Forging, we use mechanical presses because they tend to be faster than hydraulic presses and screw presses.

Benefits of Press Forging

The immediate benefit of press forging is that it produces a component with fantastic mechanical properties, such as better fatigue resistance and improved tensile strength. Additionally, press forging requires less draft than hammers, typically produces less scrap, and can be more economical for high-volume jobs.

Have Questions? Contact Trenton Forging Today

Founded in , Trenton Forging is an industry-leading manufacturer specializing in hammer and press impression die forging. We can produce asymmetrical and symmetrical forgings from steel, stainless steel, steel alloys, and micro-alloys. Please contact us today if you have questions about press forging or want to learn more about our capabilities.  

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Forging is a process of forming and manipulating metal workpieces. Depending on the forging method, the metal can be formed warm, hot, or cold. Here we will describe the features and benefits of two main types of forging: hammer forging and press forging. Understanding these methods can help you determine the ideal forging process for your project.

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Hammer Forging

Also called drop hammer forging, hammer forging consists of inserting metal into a die and hammering it into a desired shape. This method uses fast and heavy blows to shape the workpiece, which can be worked hot or at room temperature. Hammer forging offers several benefits, including:

• Uniformity

  : Hammer forging eliminates air pockets or voids that could otherwise cause failures under stress or impact. The grain size uniformity of hammer forged parts prevents weakness, removes porosity, and minimizes defects.

• Predictable grain structure

  : When the metal is put in the die and hammered into place, the grain structure conforms to the part&#;s shape. An expert metalworker can optimize the grain flow for maximum reliability and strength. Eliminating exposed grain ends can also protect the workpiece from corrosion and fatigue.

• Faster process

  : Compared to press forging, hammer forging can have quicker overall production rates based on the potential to run parts in higher multiples.

Press Forging

Press forging applies continuous pressure to manipulate the interior and exterior of the metal workpiece. This process can be done on cold or hot metal. The benefits of press forging include:

• Cost savings for high-volume production

  : While the cost of setting up some automated press forging lines can be higher, it is more cost-effective in the long run. At high volumes, a press forging operation will eventually yield parts at a lower cost per piece than hammer forging.

• Less machine stock

  : Press forgings are typically more near net, especially for thicker parts, due to requiring fewer draft angles.

• Easily controlled strain rate

  : With press forged parts, a knowledgeable metalworker can easily control strain rate, which is the amount of deformation over time.

Alloy Forging Services at Cornell Forge

Cornell Forge has nearly a century of expertise in the forging industry. Our facility can accommodate alloy and carbon steel workpieces weighing as much as 100 pounds and stainless steel workpieces weighing up to 30 pounds. We provide a wide selection of tooling and design services, including concurrent engineering, in-house tooling, optimal forging design, and metallurgical consultation. We can also perform various value-added services, such as assembly, hardness testing, Magnaflux inspection, shot blast cleaning, painting, plating, heat treating, machining, and sawing.

We are an industry leader and serve major markets, including the off-highway, agriculture, and construction industries. Contact us to speak with a representative about our forging capabilities or request a quote today.

For more information, please visit Servo Cold Forging Press.