Both metals forging and forming processes manipulate the metal to form different shapes and sizes. Different industries have distinct specifications of the metal component, which determines the metal manufacturing process.
Let us understand the concept of forging and forming in detail.
What is Forming?
Forming is the process of metal deformation to change the metal shape and not the mass i.e. neither metal is added or removed from the original metal piece.
There are two methods to deform the metal piece- compressive forming operation and tensile forming operations. As the name suggests, the compressive forming operations use compressive forces, and the tensile forming operations use tensile forces to deform the metal workpiece.
Forming can further be divided into two categories:
- Stamping
The stamping process involves compressing the metal workpiece between two dies on the top and bottom. The dies act as cookie cutters and remove the excess metal from the sheet.
The stamped gears are primarily used for medium-duty applications. Murari Engineering Works has a pantograph for stamping. A pantograph is a machine that forges the same drawing on a metal sheet.
- Fine Blanking
Fine blanking is different from stamping since it does not cut the metal sheet. It only modifies the shape of the sheet to the desired one.
A wide range of industries uses fine blanked gears like automotive, hydraulic, and manufacturing medical equipment.
What is Forging?
While the forming process is a cold metal extrusion method, the forging method has both hot and cold extrusion methods.
Unlike metal sheet forming, the forging method changes the mass and thickness of the metal.
There are two different methods of metal forging:
- Open Die Forging
In open die forging, the metal piece is not completely enclosed by the dies, and the process is similar to hammering. The repeated pressure on the metal via the dies deforms the metal piece and strengthens the grain structure.
- Closed Die Forging
The closed-die metal forging process puts a high load of pressure on the metal piece. The metal piece is enclosed from all sides. The metal piece does not undergo a repeated hammering action.
But some metal pieces might need a second closed die forging operation to finalise the shape of the workpiece. The closed die forging method is an economical option for large production forging units.
Advantages of Forming
- No product wastage
- Better mechanical properties
- Faster production rate
- High potential strength
Advantages of Forging
- Better metallurgic properties
- Strong and reliable
- Broad size range of products
- No secondary operation required
Although the forging process has a slower production rate than forming, the finished products have more accuracy.
Call us Now
If you are looking for metal stamping or forging units Ludhiana, give us a call now. We are one of the leading forging units in India, and we can supply you with the best metal-forged products per your requirements.
Our team is here to guide you through all the technicalities of metal forges and even guide you in the best forging/forming process according to your industry.