Stainless steel forging is a metalworking technique that shapes, manipulates, deforms and compresses metal to obtain a particular form, configuration, or appearance. Stainless steels are more difficult to forge because of the greater strength at elevated temperatures and the constraints on the maximum temperatures at which stainless steels may be forged without damaging their microstructure.
Why is Stainless Steel used for Forging?
One of the most excellent steels for forging is stainless steel. This is because stainless steel is particularly forging-friendly. The forging process enhances its best properties, including its strength and corrosion resistance.
Stainless steel forging also ensures a uniform grain distribution throughout the final product.
As opposed to casting or machining, a professional forger can ensure that stainless steel portions that must resist the most stress are the strongest.
Classification of Stainless Steel used in Forging
Stainless steels are classified as ferritic, austenitic, martensitic or precipitation hardening.
- Ferritic Grades
The ferritic grades are non-hardenable, non-magnetic and used for their ductility.
It is utilized in commercial food preparation and automotive trim and exhaust systems.
- Austenitic grades
Austenitic grades are nickel alloyed for corrosion and high-temperature resistance.
They are non-magnetic, non-heat-hardenable and used in harsh environments, including sea, chemical and high temperatures.
- Martensitic Grades
Carbon in martensitic grades allows heat treatment hardening and magneticity but diminishes corrosion resistance.
It is used in pumps, valves and bearings all use these grades.
- Precipitation Hardening Grades
Steels alloyed with nickel and copper have better corrosion resistance than precipitation hardening grades. They are then age-hardened after a solution annealing heat treatment.
They are ideal for aerospace, fluid mechanics and medicinal applications.
Advantages of Stainless Steel Forging
The forging process is complex and multi-step. Each step, from raw material selection to tool design to heat treatment and final inspection, is dedicated to making a better product. This allows us to bring you the benefits of drop forged steel faster. Work with a forging leader to avoid material waste and downtime.
- Better Heat Resistance
High-friction, high-heat applications demand heat resistance. This feature is crucial for automotive, tooling, chemical processing, and other products that require continuous exposure to high temperatures. The method produces components that resist high temperatures without deforming or losing structural integrity.
- Corrosion Resistance Improvement
Corrosive substances rapidly degrade other materials. Do not expose alloys to corrosive elements without sufficient protection. Closed die forging improves the corrosion resistance of stainless steel.
It is ideal for stainless steel forged valves, pumps and other petrochemical and marine equipment.
- Oxidation Layer Defence
Stainless steel forging creates a protective oxide coating that extends the lifespan of your components and keeps them running efficiently in harsh environments. With this oxide layer, your forged products are less prone to stress cracking, pitting, deformation, crevice corrosion, and other problems that undermine structural integrity.
Conclusion
Stainless steel is forged for metalworking and is ideal for forging tasks. It is sturdy, heat-resistant, and corrosion-resistant, making it an excellent choice in medical and food-related industries. In modern forging, a variety of procedures and heavy machinery are used to create items for society.
