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In metal fabrication, forging and casting are two different processes. Although both processes have been used for thousands of years, what are the differences between them?
The process of casting involves pouring molten metal into a mold then letting it cool and harden before removing it from the mold. This process is ideal for mass-producing parts and creating identical products using the same mold.
Casting comes in various forms. When liquid metal is forced into a die instead of a mold and kept there by pressure until it hardens, this is called die-casting. The process is known for its support for high-speed applications.
Mold casting on permanent molds is the process of pouring molten metal into a metal mold, either using gravity or a vacuum. Permanent mold castings can produce stronger castings than die casting, but they can be hard to remove from the final product. Thus, semi-permanent mold castings are also available. With these molds, the cores can be expended, making the removal process less difficult and more affordable.
Last but not least, sand casting is a method of casting that involves pressing a pattern into a fine mixture of sand. Molds are formed for the molten metal to be poured into. Despite its slow speed, this process is more economical than other methods of casting. For large-scale metal fabrications and intricate designs, this is a good choice.
In forging, metal is shaped by compressive force. Hammers or dies are used to shape metal until the desired shape is achieved. Through the process of forging, the metal becomes deformed and shaped, which results in a continuous grain flow that allows it to remain strong.
Furthermore, the removal of defects, inclusions and porosity from the product is an ancillary benefit of this unique grain flow.
In addition to its low cost, forging is also beneficial for medium and long production runs. By careful design of forging tools, it is possible to manufacture products at relatively high speeds with minimal downtime.
When forging takes place at room temperature, it is referred to as cold forging. The forging process can also be undertaken with the metal heated above room temperature to temperatures below that of recrystallization, which is called warm forging. In the hot forging process, metals are heated to their recrystallization temperature, which differs for each material. With blacksmiths using forging centuries ago, forging is amongst the oldest types of fabrication.
Forging offers the following benefits:
Castings produce metal products with relatively low strength, while forgings create metal products with higher strength and hardness. Forged metals have a lower likelihood of shattering when they come into contact with different objects.
During forging, a change of shape is forced into the metal, either by pressing or hammering. Consequently, the metal gains strength. Contrary to other fabrication methods, the forging process stretches the metal grain, aligning it in one direction rather than causing it to be randomly oriented. However, forging can only be done within size limitations.
Forging entails a greater degree of difficulty because the metal is kept in a solid state, unlike casting. Metal sizes and thickness are restricted by forging because it is more difficult to change the shape of the metal. The larger the metal section, the more difficult it is to forge.
On the other hand, casting allows more complex shapes to be produced because molten metal flows into a mould or die cavity. It is possible to cast products of up to 200 tons of weight out of almost any material. Casting is usually much cheaper than forging. Each casting method has its own advantages and disadvantages, so the most suitable method will depend on the application.
When it comes to designing a part for either a casting or forging, some characteristics to evaluate include:
A key consideration when it comes to castings vs forgings is the availability of alloys to use. In forging, the components are made from billets produced at a steel mill. These mills generally only manufacture a specific number of grades and alloys.
In comparison, castings are melted and poured at the foundry making special alloy costs more manageable.
Deciding between the two processes depends upon the; forgings will typically be stronger in a particular direction, but castings are stronger uniformly throughout. When the application involves frequent impacts, a forging will retain its shape longer. If a uniformly strong component is needed for the application, a casting will perform better.
In comparison, castings are melted and poured at the foundry making special alloy costs more manageable.
The price of castings vs. forgings is dependent upon multiple variables. Each of the processes are less expensive in some cases and more expensive in others. Various factors that play into the price of a part are:
In this guide, we focus on the fundamental differences between casting and forging.
When it comes to metal components, there is no such thing as one size fits all approach. The best choice for you may depend on the specific metal component, its purpose, and its overall needs. If you need particular metals, either casting or forging may be the best. Consultation with manufacturers is the best way to determine which process is right for you.
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If you are looking for metal casting services, our brochure is a great way to discover what Omnidex has to offer. You can download HERE or EXPLORE HERE to learn more or .
If you are looking for metal casting services, our brochure is a great way to discover what Omnidex has to offer. You can download HERE to learn more.
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