When to Machine or Forge?

There are a few metalworking methods to choose from when you need a replacement item for your project. Depending on your demands, all types of machined forgings have their own sets of advantages and disadvantages. For this reason, it's critical to know what you have.Forging has more distinct advantages than machining, particularly in demanding industrial applications. Moreover, forging is generally better suited to your demands if you are concerned about the parts failing prematurely or your application requires maximum longevity and strength.

When to Use Machining or Forging

Machining

While forging provides several benefits in terms of longevity and strength, it is not required in many lower-impact applications. If your parts are not subjected to repeated wear and tear, machining will most likely be an effective and economical solution.

• For Simpler Applications - Strong transition points aren't as important in lower-impact applications as they are in higher-impact applications. If you want to use your parts in less demanding locations, bar-machined parts are usually sufficient.
• If the budget is tight - Forging is a more expensive option than machining, and while it has several advantages, they may not always justify the cost of use. If the benefits of forging in terms of durability and material savings do not outweigh the cost, machining may be a better option for your application.

Forging

• To enhance part integrity - Forging delivers a better level of structural stability than any other metalworking process. Since it helps improve part performance by removing structural gaps that can weaken it, it offers a level of homogeneity.
• To maintain grain flow - When grain ends are exposed during machining, items are more prone to cracking and weakening. By keeping the grain flow unbroken, forging strengthens and refines parts, helping to reinforce transition points and prevent premature failures.

Additionally, open-die forging can assist in reducing waste and material costs by using less starting material for the creation of a forged item. Although you lose the corner stock when you turn a product from a bar, you will still pay for the extra material.

Find Out More About Machined Forgings

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