At New Era Group, our portfolio companies Norwest Precision Ltd., New Era Tool & Die Ltd., and Poltech Buher Inc. are leading providers of heavy fabricated, forged & cast machined components and assemblies. Some may ask what is a forging and what are the benefits of forging?
What Is Forging?
The forging of metals is one of the oldest working techniques of mankind. Forging is the manufacturing process of hammering, pressing, or rolling metal into shape. This is either delivered from a hammer, press, or a die. In basic terms, forging is the process of heating and working hot metal to a design or shape that is fit for a specific purpose or use.
What are the different types of forging?
The concept of forging is simply the manipulating of steel into a shape. There are many different forging types.
1. Open Die Forging
Open die forging uses a die or hammer to strike material on a stationary flat die, the metal is never completely restrained or confined by the die. The material is hammered by the die with the supervision of the forge operator who is responsible for achieving the desired final shape. Open die forging often produces greater microstructure and better fatigue resistance in its final result but often requires machining to achieve required finished dimensions.
2. Closed Die Forging
Closed die forging is the process of shaping hot metal using two pre-cut dies to achieve the desired shape. With closed die-forgings, the upfront setup cost is often substantial, however, little to no machining is required after the forgings are produced.
3. Seamless Rolled Ring Forging
The ring rolling process starts with a circular preform of metal that has been previously upset and pierced (using the open die forging process) to form a hollow “doughnut.” This doughnut is heated above the recrystallization temperature and placed over the idler or mandrel roll. This idler roll then moves under pressure toward a drive roll that continuously rotates to reduce the wall thickness, thereby increasing the diameters (I.D. and O.D.) of the resulting ring.
How Can New Era Group & Its Companies Can Help?
New Era Group’s portfolio companies employ metallurgists and forging experts dedicated to assisting procurement teams, engineers and maintenance personnel achieve their desired goals. New Era Group’s companies can assist your team with forged products ranging in size with the most complex specifications. New Era Group has experience procuring and manufacturing forged products such as:
- Complex and Unique Shapes
- Bars
- Step Shafts, Eccentric Shafts & Rotor Shafts
- Hollows
- Hubs & tooled Forgings
- Forged & Rolled Rings
- Semi-Closed Die
- Discs & Blanks
Our team understands the importance of getting your parts on time, as expected. For new customers, procuring forged products that meet all specifications for end-use applications may be challenging, so finding a trusted supplier and partner is essential. Contact us today at info@neweragroup.com to learn about Forge Design & Engineering Guidance, Finished Machined Options, Metallurgical Review, NDE and more.