Metal parts are used in various industries, from complex applications in aerospace to making simple gardening or cutting tools. To create these different products, metals are processed using diverse techniques such as forging. This process imbues the final products with additional properties such as increased durability and strength. So what metals can be forged?
Metals that can be forged
Technically, all metals can be forged but typical metals you can forge include aluminum, steel, copper, carbon steel, and various alloys. Since each metal has its individual properties and reactions when heated, some metal forging companies prefer specializing their process and working with specific metals like stainless steel or aluminum. Here’s a look at some of these metals
• Aluminum – This metal is lightweight, resistant to corrosion, with good temperature stability. As such, it is ideal for aerospace applications. It also has a low density which favorably impacts its strength-to-weight ratio.
• Alloy steel- This is a blanket term that refers to a variety of metals that have been alloyed with steel to enhance their characteristics. Metals such as magnesium, nickel, or silicon are added to provide specific characteristics such as corrosion resistance, malleability, etc.
• Carbon steel – This particular type of steel contains high levels of carbon which increases its strength, making it great for high pressure and high-temperature applications.
• Titanium- This is a lightweight metal that is renowned for its strength and resistance to high temperatures and corrosion.
Determining which metals can be forged will largely depend on the metal forging company and its capabilities. Additionally, you also need to think about how it functions and its intended application. This way, you can pick the most appropriate one to use in your applications. In addition, you won’t experience any negative effects such as mechanical failure or corrosion because of using the wrong metal.