There are numerous ways to form metals and alloys into different forms. This includes forging and casting. You can break it down even further by looking at the various methods of doing each of them. That is what we want to do today specifically with forging. Then if you want to order high quality titanium Grade 9 forged bar, you can speak to us.
What is it?
Before we jump into discussing the different methods though, let’s have a look at forging in general. It is a manufacturing practice where you use compressive forces to shape materials. Basically you physically hammer or press to get whatever shape you want, whether it is a sheet, a block, or a bar.
The forging process is truly ancient, dating back over 6,000 years. Some of the oldest examples are from Mesopotamia, a region in West Asia. It is the site of numerous important early human innovations, including inventing the wheel and developing mathematics. Mesopotamians would use rocks to hammer copper and iron, shaping it to create tools, jewellery, and weapons.
Over time the forging process spread around the world, developing in the process. The development was a big factor in allowing modernisation and industrialisation. Today there are many ways to forge various metals and alloys, including titanium, brass, aluminium, and steel.
Why is it useful?
Because we offer such a wide range of materials, including titanium Grade 9 forged bar, we can explain some of the crucial benefits. The important thing to remember about forging is it compresses the material during forming. This closes cracks and cavities. As a result, the final product is far more durable.
You can see another clear advantage if you compare forging to casting. A forged product will be better in terms of dimensional accuracy. Manufacturers can carefully control the process when they forge, ensuring products are accurate. If you cast a product however, there can be variations.
Methods
Next we want to take a quick look at five different types of forging. Read on to learn more and see which could be best for you.
Drop forging
Firstly, we have a method that at its core is the same as ancient techniques. What you do is take a hammer and strike the material to shape it. However, the process is a little more complex today. Typically you have two pieces of a die. The upper one drops and hammers a hot piece of material on to the lower one. This achieves the necessary shape.
Open die
The second method is a refined version of drop forging with an extra few steps. What happens here is the two pieces of die don’t come together. Instead they leave a gap. So, extra processing is necessary after removing the partially formed product from the dies. The technique can increase strength, but is more costly and labour intensive.
Closed die
The third method is also a variation of drop forging. The difference here is the dies do come together, fully enclosing the material. It applies a huge amount of pressure to ensure the final products are accurate.
Roll forging
Now we have a method that doesn’t involve hammering. Instead, what you have is cylindrical rollers with hollow mouldings to shape the material. This method is a good way to make things like titanium grade 9 forged bar. Here the manufacturer inserts the material between the rollers. Pressure forces it through as they roll, obtaining the final shape.
Upset forging
Next we have a method that is typically for forging products from bars. What you do here is clamp a bar in place at one end. You heat the other until it becomes sufficiently malleable, then you press or hammer it to flatten it and create a head.
Do you want to order titanium grade 9 forged bar?
Brindley Metals appreciates how important forging is and the fact it can create high quality products. If you need titanium bar, especially grade 9, it can be a good idea to choose forged. It will be stronger and more suitable for high load applications. You can contact us to learn more about it, compare with other options, and order your chosen material.