Alloy Steel Forging

What Is Alloy Steel Forging?

Alloy steel contains a combination of one or more alloying elements. The elements often added to forged alloy steels are silicon, manganese, titanium, aluminum and more. The other central component is carbon, which makes up most of the steel in this type of alloy metal.

Adding other alloys that are not typically found in carbon creates specific properties that are ideal for forgings. Further, alloy steels have become increasingly popular because they can be quickly processed, and are widely available and affordable.

Alloy Steel Forging Options & Characteristics

Depending on your project requirements, there are a variety of alloy steel grade options available. Most forging steels are treated with heat to improve strength and adaptability. In addition, there are various elements you can add to your carbon steel to produce the characteristics you desire.

Nickel: Improves strength and increases corrosion resistance.
Chromium: Increases strength by forming the second phase of carbides.
Silicon, manganese and copper: Increase strength and improves extreme heat exposure.
Silicon and nickel: Increase ductility and strength.
Cobalt and nickel: Improve strength retention and ductility.

This is not a comprehensive list of elements added to alloy steels. Other features may be added based on the requirements of the project.

Benefits of Forging Alloy Steel

There are many benefits associated with using alloy steel forgings to satisfy your industrial requirements. First, alloy steels can help reduce the incidence of shrinkage and cavities in castings. Second, alloy forgings are equipped with a unique grain structure, providing high wear resistance. Third, forged alloys are stronger than many traditional steels. Fourth, alloys are made with added elements, increasing strength and durability. Lastly, alloy forgings have a higher impact strength than casted steel.

Alloy Steel Forging Applications

Alloy steels are used in a wide variety of applications. Regardless of the industry, many businesses use alloy steels for various project requirements. The following are among the most common applications:

Crankshafts

Machine Parts

Fasteners

Gearing

This is not a comprehensive list of applications for alloy steel. Forgings can be used in virtually any manufacturing process that requires a high level of strength and malleability.

applications for alloy steel forgings

Most alloy steels contain less than 0.55% carbon. If forged steel has a higher amount of carbon, it will likely require a different classification. Steels containing less than 0.55% carbon are frequently used in the automotive industry and machinery requiring high strength and durability.

Most alloy steels are infused with a small percentage of other elements including manganese, vanadium, nickel and chromium.

These elements can enhance the properties that are created through quenching and tempering processes. Some forged alloy steels contain 9% chromium, making them suitable for use at higher temperatures.

Other alloy elements added to steels improve hardenability, the steel property that ensures toughness and strength of the forged part after it is treated with heat.

Micro Alloy Forging

Micro alloyed steel is an iron-based metal. Typically, they are made with a high percentage of carbon and one or two other elements. These steels were first used in the 1960s for industrial and pipeline projects. However, it was not until the 1980s that micro alloys were produced in larger quantities. Today, micro alloy is commonly used in many industries.

Micro alloy forgings have a complex property structure that allows for a higher level of toughness than low-alloyed steels. As a result, they are not as tough as tempered or quenched metals, but they are strong enough to be used in various industrial applications.

The Drop Forging Process

In drop forging, the metal billet is inserted in the die and shaped with multiple hammer blows. The hammering process continues until the billet is the correct shape. However, the metal’s center stays generally unaffected. The steel’s mechanical properties vary depending on the metal combinations that are being used, as well as the hammering process and the cooling method.

The primary process of drop forging is similar to hand forging. However, drop forgings can be crafted piece by piece to meet your intended specifications.

Get Custom Alloy Steel Forgings From Trenton Forging

Trenton Forging specializes in impression die forging using drop hammers and mechanical presses. We can produce all types of symmetrical and asymmetrical alloy steel forgings for a wide array of industries. If you have questions about our process, or would like to request a quote, please contact us today.