Take a look around your home or workplace and you’re likely to see examples of forged steel all around you. This type of steel is commonly used in a variety of applications due to its strength and versatility and durability. The process also allows for alloys like stainless steel and carbon steel, further increasing the number of potential uses. But what is forged steel, and what are its main characteristics in Phoenix, AZ? Read on to find out.
What is forged steel?
Forged steel has been used for thousands of years, and it had its beginnings in China and Persia. However, it’s only since the 19th century that modern methods have been used.
Though it is a main component of most modern construction, steel is not a material that can be mined from the ground. Forged steel is an alloy made from iron and carbon that is compressed under intense pressure and heat.
Most steel is forged at a temperature between 800 and 1,000 degrees Celsius (1,450 to 1,800 degrees Fahrenheit). The high temperature allows the steel to be more malleable, allowing it to be shaped into any number forms for any number of uses.
Types of forged steel
There are three main types of forged steel that are formed at different temperatures:
- Cold forged steel: This process is not exactly cold, but rather it is colder than other processes. It’s done at temperatures under 150 degrees C, known as “room conditions” in the industry. This process requires more powerful force to form the steel, but results in better material conservation and a more desirable finish.
- Hot forged steel: This process takes place between 950 and 1,250 degrees C. This super-hot process allows the steel to be more easily formed and requires less force to shape it.
- Hardened steel forging: This process takes place at temperatures between 750 and 950 degrees C. It has advantages of both hot and cold forged steel and is therefore the most versatile of the three.
What are the properties of forged steel?
Forged steel is so ubiquitous in part due to its unique properties, including:
- Great strength: Forged steel is incredibly strong and durable. The process of forging steel versus using other methods allows for the highest level of strength.
- Consistency: Forged steel has the benefit of resulting in a consistent end product throughout the scope of an entire project. The process is measured and thorough for each job.
- Allows for alloys: There are different alloys that can be used in the process of forging steel, such as carbon steel and stainless steel. This is one reason why forged steel is widely used in industrial and mechanical applications.
Metal Pro Inc. is a versatile metal fabricator with experience and expertise working across a variety of metals in Phoenix, AZ for over 20 years. Contact us today to find out more about forged steel and its main characteristics to see if it would be right for your upcoming project. We look forward to assisting you!