The production process of warm forging is an important metal forming technology, which is widely used in the manufacture of various mechanical parts and structural parts. In this process, the three processes of heating, deformation and cooling are crucial links. This article will reveal the working principle and operating points of these three processes in detail to help readers better understand and master the production process of warm forging.
Heating is the first key step in the production process of warm forging. The purpose is to heat the metal material to a certain temperature so that it has enough plasticity and fluidity to facilitate subsequent forging deformation. The heating process needs to control parameters such as heating speed, heating temperature and holding time.
Heating speed: The speed of heating directly affects the internal organization and performance of metal materials. Too fast heating speed may lead to excessive temperature difference between inside and outside the metal, resulting in thermal stress and cracks; Too slow a heating rate will prolong the production cycle and increase energy consumption. Therefore, it is necessary to choose the appropriate heating speed according to the nature of the material and the shape of the forging.
Heating temperature: The selection of heating temperature should be determined according to the phase transition point of the material and the forging temperature range. High heating temperature will lead to grain growth, oxidation and overburning defects. However, the heating temperature is too low, which will make the metal plastic insufficient and difficult to fill the mold. Therefore, the precise control of the heating temperature is the key to ensure the quality and performance of the forging.
Holding time: Holding time means that after reaching the forging temperature, the metal material is kept in the furnace for a period of time to ensure that its internal temperature is uniform and stable. The length of the holding time should be determined according to the thermal conductivity of the material, the thickness and the complexity of the forging process. Too short holding time may cause the temperature difference between inside and outside the metal to be too large, affecting the forging quality; Too long holding time will increase energy consumption and production costs.
Deformation is the core of the production process of warm forging, which causes plastic deformation of metal materials by applying external force, so as to obtain the required shape and size. The deformation process needs to control factors such as deformation speed, deformation degree and mold design.
Deformation speed: the speed of deformation directly affects the flow and forming quality of the metal. Too fast deformation speed may lead to uneven metal flow, resulting in folding, cracks and other defects; Too slow deformation speed will reduce production efficiency. Therefore, it is necessary to choose the appropriate deformation speed according to the nature of the material and the shape of the forging.
Deformation degree: The degree of deformation refers to the amount of deformation of metal materials in the forging process, which directly affects the dimensional accuracy and mechanical properties of forgings. Excessive deformation may lead to fracture of metal flow line and insufficient grain refinement. However, too small deformation degree will make the metal structure uneven and mechanical properties unstable. Therefore, it is necessary to determine the appropriate degree of deformation according to the design requirements of the forging and the performance of the material.
Die design: Die is an important tool in the production process of warm forging, and its design quality directly affects the forming quality and dimensional accuracy of forging. Mold design needs to consider the flow of the metal, rigidity and wear resistance of the mold and other factors. The service life and forming quality of the die can be improved by optimizing the structure of the die, selecting the appropriate material and manufacturing process.
Cooling is the last key step in the production process of warm forging, which aims to make the forged metal material cool down quickly and solidify. The cooling process needs to control factors such as cooling speed, cooling medium and cooling method.
Cooling speed: The speed of cooling directly affects the structure and properties of metal materials. Too fast cooling speed may lead to excessive internal stress of the metal, resulting in cracks and deformation; Too slow cooling speed will prolong the production cycle and reduce production efficiency. Therefore, it is necessary to choose the appropriate cooling rate according to the nature of the material and the shape of the forging.
Cooling medium: Cooling medium refers to the substance used to reduce the temperature of metal materials, such as air, water, oil, etc. The cooling effect and application range of different media are different. Choosing the right cooling medium can ensure that the metal maintains a uniform temperature distribution and good surface quality during cooling.
Cooling mode: Cooling mode refers to the arrangement and placement of metal materials in the cooling process, such as natural cooling, forced convection cooling, etc. Different cooling methods have important effects on the cooling rate and temperature distribution of the metal. By optimizing the cooling method and controlling the cooling parameters, an efficient cooling process and high-quality forging forming can be achieved.
By revealing the heating, deformation and cooling process in the production process of warm forging, we can better understand the working principle and operation points of this process. In practical applications, it is necessary to select the appropriate process parameters and operation mode according to the nature of the material, the shape of the forging and the production conditions to ensure that the quality and performance of the forging meet the expected requirements. In the future, with the continuous progress of science and technology and the changing market demand, the requirements for the production process of warm forging will continue to increase. We should actively explore and practice new processes and materials to contribute to the development of manufacturing.
