Have you ever heard of the term “smith forging”? Before all the advancements in tools and technology, forging was performed by a smith using an anvil and hammer to produce and create forged metal – hence, the term. Smith forging, commonly known as open die forging, is a process that involves a hammer striking and deforming a workpiece securely attached to a stationary anvil.
Why do Aerospace Companies Prefer Open Die Forging?
The Basics
Open die forging involves the process of forging alloys without having to enclose the workpiece throughout the procedure. In this process, it is required that the operator knows the proper position and orientation of the workpiece to achieve the desired shape.The dies or surfaces are normally flat in shape. However, there are instances when dies with a specific shape are used for specialized forging. For instance, a die may have a convex, concave, or round surface. It may also be a cut-off tool or a device to form holes.
Advantages of Open Die Forging
Aerospace companies consider the advantages of open die forging before choosing this metalworking process to produce aerospace parts and components. Below are the advantages:
- Superior strength
- Better-quality grain size
- Constant grain flow
- Enhanced microstructure
- Improved fatigue resistance
- Reduced chance of voids
Progressive open die forging techniques are capable of creating multiple shapes notwithstanding the large parts and components used. Simple shapes like rounds, ingots, and bars are easier to produce because of the constant grain flow and improved fatigue resistance.The most common subjects used for smith forging are steel and related alloys. Nonetheless, other metals can be shaped as desired. These metals include titanium, nickel, and copper alloys.
Industrial or Commercial Aerospace Parts
The following are the parts and components used by aerospace industries that were produced and forged through an open die forging method:
- Shafts
- Seamless rolled rings (bearings)
- Rotor/Propeller Parts
- Landing gear components
- Flat bar
- Flanges
- Disks
Learn More About Open Die Forging Applications
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