sales@dropforging.netThe Importance of Temperature Control in Drop Forging
Drop Forging is a metalworking process that deforms metal by applying pressure, usually at high temperatures. So, temperature control is a necessary step in drop forging production, and there is a strict temperature control requirement on each type of forged metal. For instance, steel forging usually requires to heat billets to 950°C and 1250°C, while aluminum forging and brass forging have lower heating temperature requirement. Aluminum forging can be performed at temperatures between 350°C and 500°C, and the ideal forging temperatures of brass forging range from 600°C to 950°C.
CFS Forge has been in drop forging industry for over 25 years, we usually control the temperature for forging production by induction heating furnace. This heating equipment can provide rapid and uniform heating, allowing precise control over the temperature and heating rates of the forging billets, thus improving consistency.
Why Temperature Control Matters in Drop Forging?
In the forging process, reasonable control of forging temperature can ensure the hardness, strength and toughness of drop forged parts.
First of all, the forging temperature will affect the grain size and grain shape, and then affect the plasticity and toughness of the part. High temperature forging can make the grain grow, thus reducing the hardness and strength of the material; Forging at low temperature can refine the grain and improve the hardness and strength of the material.
Secondly, the forging temperature also affects the grain boundary distribution and phase transition behavior of the material, and then affects the mechanical properties of the material. At different temperatures, the position and number of grain boundaries will change, which will affect the plasticity and toughness of the material. In addition, the temperature also affects the phase transition behavior, such as the solid solution phase transition, the formation of precipitated phase, etc., which affects the hardness and strength of the material.
Lastly, influencing every aspect of the manufacturing process from metal malleability to the final mechanical properties of forged parts. Precise temperature management ensures the consistency, quality, and reliability of components, making it a cornerstone in forging operations.
How to Realize Precise Control of ForgingTemperature?
In order to achieve the precise control of forging temperature, CFS Forge suggests the following methods.
Firstly, a temperature sensor can be used to monitor the forging temperature in real time. Commonly used temperature sensors are thermocouple, thermal resistance and infrared thermometer. These sensors can convert temperature signals into electrical signals, which are processed and displayed by instruments.
Secondly, the forging temperature can be controlled by the temperature control system. Temperature control system usually consists of temperature sensor, controller and actuator. By collecting and processing the temperature signal, the controller can adjust the action of the actuator, so as to realize the precise control of the temperature.
Thirdly, preheating and heat preservation measures can be used to control the forging temperature. Preheating can increase the forging temperature, and heat preservation can extend the duration of the forging temperature, so as to achieve temperature control.
More Factors to Consider On Temperature Control for Drop Forging Process
In practical drop forging manufacturing, the control of forging temperature also needs to consider the following factors.
1. The forging temperature should be selected according to the forging material and shape. Different materials and shapes correspond to different forging temperature ranges, and choosing the right temperature can ensure the quality and performance of the forging.
2. The control of forging temperature also needs to consider the limitations of forging equipment and process parameters. The heating capacity and temperature uniformity of forging equipment will affect the control of forging temperature, and the choice of process parameters will also affect the control of forging temperature.
3. Drop forging companies shall also consider the thermal deformation behavior in the forging process. Thermal deformation behavior refers to the plastic deformation of the material at high temperature, which will affect the distribution and change of forging temperature. Therefore, in the process of forging temperature control, it is also necessary to consider the influence of thermal deformation behavior.
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