Forging process is an important forming method in metal material processing, which makes metal blank plastic deformation by applying external force, so as to obtain the required shape and size of the forging. During the forging process, the material undergoes a series of complex physical and chemical changes, which have a profound impact on the properties of the material. In this paper, the influence of forging process on material properties will be analyzed in detail.
The basic characteristics of forging process
The forging process mainly includes three basic stages: heating, forging and cooling. In the heating stage, the metal billet is heated to a certain temperature to reduce its yield strength and improve its plasticity; In the forging stage, the metal blank is subjected to external force and plastic deformation occurs. During the cooling phase, the deformed metal gradually cools to room temperature to form the final forgings.
Influence of forging process on material properties
Improvement of microstructure
The forging process refines the grain of metal materials through plastic deformation and reduces internal defects such as pores and inclusions. Grain refinement can improve the strength and toughness of the material, while reducing the brittleness of the material. In addition, dynamic and static recrystallization during forging also help to improve the microstructure of the material and further improve its properties.
Improvement of mechanical properties
The forging process can significantly improve the mechanical properties of metal materials, such as tensile strength, yield strength, elongation and impact toughness. This is because the plastic deformation in the forging process produces a large number of dislocations and deformation bands inside the material, which will be converted into fine grains and strengthening phases in the subsequent heat treatment process, thereby improving the strength and toughness of the material.
Improvement of physical properties
The forging process can also improve the physical properties of metal materials, such as electrical conductivity, thermal conductivity and thermal stability. This is because the plastic deformation in the forging process can eliminate the residual stress and lattice distortion inside the material, and improve the density and uniformity of the material. In addition, the high temperature action in the forging process can also promote the diffusion and precipitation of impurities inside the material, and further improve its physical properties.
Enhanced corrosion resistance
By improving the microstructure and mechanical properties of materials, forging process can indirectly enhance its corrosion resistance. Firstly, grain refinement can improve the resistance of the material to corrosive medium; Secondly, the formation of the strengthening phase can increase the corrosion resistance of the material; Finally, the high temperature action in the forging process can eliminate the residual stress and lattice distortion inside the material, and reduce the corrosion sensitivity of the material.
Factors affecting the properties of forging materials
Forging temperature
Forging temperature is one of the key factors affecting the properties of forging materials. The proper forging temperature can reduce the yield strength and improve the plasticity of the material, which is conducive to the plastic deformation. However, if the forging temperature is too high or too low, the performance of the material will be reduced. Therefore, it is necessary to strictly control the forging temperature during the forging process.
Forging speed
Forging speed is also one of the important factors affecting the properties of forging materials. The proper forging speed can ensure that the material gets enough deformation during the plastic deformation process, thereby improving its performance. However, if the forging speed is too fast or too slow, the performance of the material will be reduced. Therefore, it is necessary to choose the forging speed reasonably in the forging process.
Cooling mode
The effect of cooling method on the properties of forging materials can not be ignored. Different cooling methods will lead to different residual stresses and degrees of lattice distortion within the material, which will affect its performance. Therefore, it is necessary to choose a suitable cooling method in the forging process to reduce the residual stress and lattice distortion of the material.
Forging process has significant influence on material properties. By optimizing the forging process parameters and controlling the key factors in the forging process, the microstructure, mechanical properties, physical properties and corrosion resistance of metal materials can be significantly improved. In the future, with the continuous development and innovation of forging technology, it is believed that more new forging processes will be developed to better meet the demand for high-performance metal materials in industrial production.
