Forging and casting are both efficient ways of shaping metal. Both methods are used in different areas of manufacturing, and every company has their own preference. That said, you might be wondering if one method is better than the other. Read on to learn about both of these steel fabrication methods and their differences. With this information, you may be able to decide which method works best for your needs.
A little more on forging
Forging is a process that’s been used for thousands of years to create metal objects. This process shapes a piece of metal into a specific object through the use of compressive force. Sometimes, the metal is heated in a forge before being shaped, although this isn’t always the case. Usually, a power hammer or die will deliver the compressive force needed to shape a forged object. These days, forging is used to create parts for many different industries, including the aerospace and automotive industries.
A little more on casting
You’ve probably seen the casting method done by someone on TV, or even in person. This method involves pouring highly heated metal into a mold to form an object. After pouring, the heated metal is left to cool and harden. There are many different types of casting, including diecasting, permanent mold casting, glass casting and many more. The type of casting a company uses largely depends on their exact needs.
Which method makes stronger products?
Objects made through the process of forging are usually stronger than materials made through casting. In fact, it was found that forged materials have 26 percent higher tensile strength and 37 percent higher fatigue strength than their casted counterparts. This is because the forging process keeps the metal’s grain structure from expanding, which happens when metal melts. A tighter grain structure means a stronger product.
Which method allows for more complex shapes?
If you need to make a product with a complex shape, it’s best to go with the casting method. It’s much harder to adjust the shape of metal during the forging process, especially when the metal is thick. As long as you have the right mold, you can create a metal object of almost any shape with casting. Casting is also the better method when trying to create a large part or a part that requires the addition of custom alloys.
Which method is more cost-effective?
There are many factors that can affect the cost of a job, including production volume and the type of alloy used. Most of the time, casting is the cheaper option. However, there are some cases in which forging is more cost-effective.
Which method should I use?
Both casting and forging have plenty of advantages and disadvantages. It’s best to speak with a metal and steel fabrication expert in your area to see which method they recommend. They will likely offer the best advice when it comes to choosing one method over the other.
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