Common Applications of Closed Die Forgings
At CanForge, we’re committed to delivering superior forgings for all facets of the market, including closed die forgings. Closed die forgings can be used in a wide variety of applications, from automotive and aerospace to agriculture and mining. In today’s blog, we’ll explore some of the most common uses of closed die forgings and take a look at why they represent the best means to get the job done.
Closed Die Forging
Closed Die Forging is a process wherein dies (referred to as tooling) containing a precut profile of the desired part move towards each other and cover the workpiece in whole or in part. Also referred to as impression-die forging, these robust forgings are routinely produced on hydraulic presses, mechanical presses, and hammers, with capacities up to 50,000 tons, 20,000 tons and 50,000 lbs respectively.
Closed Die Forging Process
A heated raw material approximately the same size as the finished forged part is placed in the bottom die, which is essentially a specially-constructed mold. The mold is made from hardened steel or another material that can withstand the intense pressure required for this process.
The press then closes, applying immense pressure to the metal in order to force it into an exact shape. This process can be repeated many times until the desired shape has been achieved. The finished product will have a uniform thickness across its entire surface and will be much stronger than before it was forged. And because the metal flow is restricted by the die contours, the closed die process yields more complex shapes and closer tolerances than the open die forging process.
Most engineering metals and alloys can be forged using the closed die forging process, including, carbon and alloy steels, tool steels, stainless, aluminum and copper alloys, and certain titanium alloys. Parts resulting from this process can range from a few ounces to 60,000 lbs with some of the smaller parts forged cold.
Advantages of Closed Die Forgings
- Little to no machining is required
- Produces more accurate and reliable impressions
- Enhanced mechanical characteristics and improved surface finish
- Cost-effective for large production runs
Common Applications of Closed Die Forgings
CanForge’s closed die forging products are used in a number of industries. Recognized in the trade for their sound metallurgical and physical properties, our closed die forgings are guaranteed to meet all your material specifications and dimensional requirements.
Here are some of the most common applications of our closed die forgings:
The Mining Industry
Closed die forgings have been a vital component of the mining industry for decades. Used to create ground foundation bits, auger bits, and other vital tools, the closed die forging process allows manufacturers to create intricate parts with impeccable precision.
The mining industry also demands a high level of resilience from its equipment. Closed die forgings deliver with their ability to withstand high temperatures and pressures. The toughness of these forgings allows them to last through long-term use without breaking down or wearing out – a necessity for mining equipment.
The Automotive Industry
One of the most common applications of closed die forgings is in the automotive industry. They can be found in everything from connecting rods and control arms to rock arms and axle beams. Their undeniable strength and durability make them perfect for this application, as they can handle loads from all directions without breaking apart or cracking under pressure. This allows them to be used in situations where there’s a lot of flexing movement required from the part–like controlling arms that move up and down when navigating bumps in the road or axle beams that bend slightly when turning corners at high speeds.
The Aerospace Industry
Aerospace is a fast-paced and competitive industry. As a result, it often relies on closed die forgings for their high strength, wear resistance, and durability. These parts are used in critical structural applications, including landing gear supports and assemblies, engine mounts, and aircraft structures. The high levels of stress these parts are subjected to make them ideal for closed die forgings.
The Agriculture Industry
The agriculture industry relies on closed die forgings for all kinds of parts, including gears, shafts, spike harrow teeth, tie rod ends and more.The closed die forging process allows for a higher degree of precision than other types of metal forming processes, which is especially important for agricultural machinery parts that need to be able to withstand rigorous conditions.
For example, agricultural machinery manufacturers use closed die forgings to create gears that are used on tractors. These gears are subject to high loads and require maximum strength and durability to avoid breakage during use. They also need to be able to withstand exposure to moisture and dirt without rusting or corroding over time.
Trust CanForge For All Your Forging Needs
At CanForge, we have everything you need to make your next project a success. Whether you’re in need of open die forgings, closed die forgings, rolled rings, step-shaft forgings or bent crane hook forgings, CanForge can provide the quality product you need. Our team of dedicated specialists will work with you every step of the way to ensure that your project meets all your requirements as well as any industry standards or regulations.
Contact us today to get started, or request a quote using our streamlined online form.