Forging is the process that changes the shape of metals at different temperatures- hot forging and cold forging.
Earlier, forging was undertaken by blacksmiths by heating the material to a very high temperature and hammering it.
Different forging units in Punjab have different specialisations in the forging field.
In the previous blogs, we’ve learned a lot about forging processes and different types of forging processes.
But what materials are good for forging? What methods should you follow to forge different materials? This blog will talk all about that.
Is it Possible to Forge All Metals?
It is possible to forge all metals. However, some metals are preferred over others because they get ductile and fragile on heating.
Some metals also become structurally weak and thus destroy their molecular structure. Metals like steel, iron, and brass are popular choices for metal forging.
Stainless Steel
Stainless steel is a common metal found in households, especially kitchen items. Since it is highly durable and strong, it is the top choice in the best metal forging units in Ludhiana.
The stainless steel alloy contains 10% chromium. Hence, it provides corrosion resistance and enhances durability.
Stainless steel is recyclable and forged at a temperature range of 1700℉ to 2000℉.
Alloy Steel
Many elements like chromium, titanium, silicon, manganese, silicon, copper, and aluminium are added to steel in varying proportions.
The other elements enhance the strength, hardness, corrosion resistance, and ductility of steel metal. However, it has a downside. It has to be worked carefully under high temperatures as it can become brittle.
Carbon Steel
Carbon steel is stronger than normal steel. Thus, it is used for the manufacturing of objects that need high tensile strength, like springs and blades.
Carbon steel is mixed with other materials to enhance the strength of the forged alloy. The most common elements added are tungsten, chromium, titanium, and nickel.
The amount of carbon present in the mix is the hardness deciding factor. Carbon steel is suitable to handle high temperatures and pressure.
Titanium
Being one of the strongest metals, titanium finds its use in heavy industries like aircraft, rockets, submarines, and ships. Besides, it offers excellent corrosion resistance and ductility.
Titanium is even corrosion-resistant in seawater.
About 95% of titanium is used in the form of titanium dioxide in cosmetics and paints.
Best titanium metal forging offers the same properties as carbon steel forging but is much lighter. The machinery in aircraft and submarines is heavy, and therefore, there is a need for a lighter body structure.
Aluminium
Aluminium has a low melting point and is a soft metal. It is one of the preferred choices for many industries because it is recyclable without changing its natural properties.
Aluminium is also lightweight, like titanium, and resistant to rust. Many elements are added to aluminium to increase the effectiveness of its natural characteristics.
Another advantage is that it can prevent heavy fracturing.
Summing Up
Different industries have different requirements for forging metals. Some need lightweight forging metals like titanium and aluminium, while some need heavy materials like stainless steel.
Murari Engineering Works can help you find the right forging material according to your industry. We are a top forging unit dealing in tractor parts forging, Ludhiana.