Types of Forging for API Wellhead Component Manufacturing
Forging methods are an important consideration when making any wellhead or pressure vessel component. Here are five common forging methods for API wellhead component manufacturing:
Open Die Forging
In open die forging, metal is compressed but not constrained between two flat die with no pre-cut profiles. Open die forging is a very versatile method and can be used with nearly all forgeable alloys. It is often used for large parts weighing over 200,000 pounds.
Seamless Rolled Ring Forging
To craft forged steel rings or other seamless rolled rings, manufacturers use open die forging to punch a hole in a circular piece of metal, creating a doughnut shape. The metal “doughnut” is then heated and placed on a roller to shape and expand the ring.
Impression Die Forging
Impression die forging, also called closed die forging, uses a die with cavities to compress the part and restrict metal flow, forcing the metal into a particular shape. Impression die forging can create very detailed parts in symmetrical and nonsymmetrical shapes.
Cold Forging
Cold forging is a variety of impression die forging that uses temperatures between room temperature and several hundred degrees Fahrenheit. Manufacturers may use cold bending, cold drawing, coining, or extruding to create a range of shapes. Cold forging is especially useful when making shaft- or cup-shaped parts or bent configurations that weigh less than 10 pounds.
Precision Forging
Another type of impression die forging is precision forging. In precision forging, material is carefully measured so that little or no metal overflows out of the die during the forging process. Precision forging can create highly detailed parts with thin sections that require little or no finishing.
Looking for Wellhead Component Suppliers?
Forged Components, Inc. provides custom forged flanges, forged nozzles, forged steel rings, and more. To learn more about our carbon steel flange manufacturing, call us at (281) 441-4088 or contact us online.