drop forging

<a href=http://www.dropforging.net/drop-forging.html>Drop forging</a> is a manufacturing process where forged steel is pressed, pounded or squeezed under great pressure into high strength parts known as drop forgings. The drop forging process is normally performed hot by preheating the metal to a desired temperature before it is worked. It is important to note that the forging process is entirely different from the casting (or foundry) process, as metal used to make forged parts is never melted and poured (as in the casting process). Drop forged parts can range in weight from less than a kilogram to 580 metric tons. Forged parts usually require further heat treatment and machining to achieve a finished part.

Although the styles and drive systems vary widely, a drop forging can be produced on any of the following pieces of equipment:

• Hammers with a driving force of up to 50,000 pounds, pound the metal into shape with controlled high pressure impact blows.

• Presses with a driving force of up to 50,000 tons, squeeze the metal into shape vertically with controlled high pressure.

• Upsetters are basically forging presses used horizontally for a forging process known as