Which Forging Materials?
Forged materials provide strength, impact resistance and high levels of toughness. This is due to the process itself, a process of controlled deformation. This controlled deformation leads to an intentional grain flow and directional alignment which can enhance the strength and resistance properties of the material.
When you are looking into forged products, it can be tough to decide which materials you will use. There are a variety of options with different properties and qualities to consider; all of which change during the forging process.
B. B. Price are forging experts and have put together a short guide on the different forging materials and how to determine the right material for your product.
What Materials Can Be Forged?
There are some common materials that are popular within the forging industry, including carbon steel, microalloyed steel, alloy steel, and stainless steel. Each of these materials is unique with properties in favour of environments and some in favour of strength.
Find out more about each of these materials below.
Carbon Steel
Carbon steel is essentially steel, integrated with varying amounts of carbon. The percentage of carbon in the steel will determine the strength and toughness overall.
This material has a number of benefits such as not needing the forging process to attain better properties. It is known to be one of the best materials for high-load and high-stress applications due to its impact resistance capabilities. It is also naturally resistant to environmental damage and corrosion.
Microalloyed Steel
Microalloyed steel is sometimes referred to as high-strength, low alloy steels (HSLA) and contains trace elements of alloying (mixed) elements. These compositions can be varied dependant upon the grade of steel and customer requirements.
The properties of microalloyed steel are similar to that of carbon steel, but this is the preferred material when looking for a better strength-to-weight ratio. It can provide high strength and toughness without post-treatment methods, meaning it ready once forged!
Alloy Steel
The name ‘alloy steel’ is applied to any materials that contains carbon and is mixed with other elements. Typically, they are split into low and high alloy, with low alloy the primary choice for forging.
It is harder to determine the properties of alloy steel; this is determined by the types of elements within the steel. These elements then enhance the forging process and add to the material post-forging.
Stainless Steel
Stainless Steel is the most commonly used material in forging with its own unique mechanical properties. Stainless steel is often split into groups that are categorised by their microstructure and grade. Grades are determined by the chemical components within the metal.
This type of steel is known for its exceptional fatigue strength and resistance to corrosion. It is most commonly used in high temperature, high stress applications and in corrosive environments due to its resistant properties. During the forging process, the properties of stainless steel tend to be enhanced further; another example of why this is commonly used for forging.
Contact B. B. Price
The choice of which forging materials to use is often dependent upon the application and environment that it will be used in. The forging process enhances the properties of materials and is therefore recommended for materials in high-stress, highly corrosive areas and environments.
For more information on the materials used or the processes that take place at B. B. Price, why not take a look at our website today – www.bbprice.co.uk
If you have any queries regarding our forging processes or if you are interested in a bespoke forged product, why not get in touch with us today. You can contact our team online or give us a call today. Our team are here to help you!
