Forgings and stampings: differences and features

Forged metal is obtained in two main ways: forging or stamping. In the first case, the product is given the necessary shape through gradual processing with hammers, presses, etc. In the second – the workpiece is placed on the matrix, after which it is squeezed by the press. As a result, the finished product is received almost instantly.

There are three types of forgings:

• Free forging on hammers and presses.
• Forging with the use of backing dies for the production of parts of a more complex configuration.
• Forging on radial forging rotary units.

In turn, stamping is divided into four types:

• On hammers and presses, including those with embossing.
• Standing on horizontal forging machines.
• Extruding – extrusion of a part on a special press.
• Forging on calibration cranksets.

Advantages and disadvantages of forging and stamping processes

Both technologies have both their pros and cons, so different processes are more appropriate for the production of different parts. Forging methods are less expensive, and the cost of finished forged products is usually lower. In addition, very large workpieces (up to 250 tons) can be processed on forging presses. Unfortunately, forging does not allow obtaining a part of a complex configuration, and the surface quality of the product is not high.

On the contrary, parts obtained by stamping are characterized by high manufacturing precision. They fully match the required product, and their configuration can be quite complex. In addition, stamping methods allow the production of small, high-precision parts. However, the prices for such products are quite high, due to the technological complexity of the process itself, as well as the considerable cost of equipment and stamping dies. A higher scrap rate (compared to forging) also contributes to the increase in cost.