Forging is the process of manipulating metal into certain shapes. Methods like hammering, pressing, and rolling allow people to shape metal into desired forms.
Two of the most common methods of metal forging include press forging and hammer forging (also called drop forging). This is a comparison of press forging vs. hammer forging. We’ll explain how each method works and expound on the similarities and differences between them.
Press Forging
In the press method, mechanical or hydraulic pressure slowly and continuously presses on the metal workpiece. Instead of using heavy, repeated blows, this method relies on a single compression to shape the metal. The metal undergoes uniform shaping from its surface to its center in press forging, and people don’t use draft angles.
Hammer Forging
In the hammer method, the metal workpiece goes into a die (the tool used to cut and shape metals) and then receives repeated blows from a hammer. These strikes gradually shape the metal workpiece according to the die’s shape.
In hammer forging, the metal’s surface changes shape, but the center remains relatively untouched. People use draft angles more often with this technique than with press forging.
There are two types of hammer forging: open-die hammer forging and closed-die hammer forging. The main difference between the two is the shape of the dies. Open-die hammer forging uses dies that are “open,” which means they don’t entirely confine or constrict the metal. Flat dies are common in open-die hammer forging. On the other hand, closed-die hammer forging uses dies that completely enclose the workpiece.
Similarities and Differences
Want to know the similarities and differences between these two methods? Here’s a comparison of press forging and hammer forging.
Both methods can work at high or low temperatures. For press forging, tongs aren’t a requirement. They are for hammer forging, though. These are the main similarities and differences between the two.
People usually consider press forging to be more effective than hammer forging. This is because press forging can change the shape and interior of the workpiece simultaneously, whereas hammer forging changes the surface only. In addition, press forging affords greater control over the workpiece.
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