Types of Raw Steel Material Used for Forging
There is a wide range of different types of raw steel used in today’s modern forging process. The following information provides some insight into each of these types of materials.
Titanium
Titanium is the preferred alloy for applications where high strength is required.
Titanium is an excellent metal for the forging process, and its high melting point makes it an ideal fit to work with other metals that melt at a lower temperature.
Titanium is one of the strongest metals in the world. It can withstand high levels of heat without becoming brittle like other metals. The only downside to titanium is that it melts at a higher temperature than many other common forging materials.
The strength and stability of titanium make it an excellent material to strengthen and preserve any forged items made from weaker materials, such as iron or steel. Titanium has a reputation of increased hardness in metals like copper, which are too soft for most purposes on their own.
Stainless Steel
Stainless steel is an iron alloy that contains over ten percent chromium. Stainless steel is a type of metal that is very strong and durable. Stainless steel has the benefit of being resistant to corrosion and being a material you can easily recycle. Stainless steel also offers a long lifespan and excellent durability.
Stainless steel is one of the most popular choices in the forging process. The reason for this is due to its strength and endurance. It will last longer than other metals, such as copper and aluminum.
Alloy Steel
Alloy steel is a metal alloy that is composed of iron and carbon. It is used in the forging process to make tools that have high performance. The alloy steel is more durable than pure iron, and it has a higher resistance to wear and abrasion.
We can add various alloys to steel as a way to give it specific qualities desired. We can add alloys to include nickel, chromium, molybdenum, and manganese. When added, these can increase the toughness and strength of steel. They also make it more resistant to wear.
In recent years, many companies have been switching from carbon steel to alloy because it resists corrosion better and it has a lower risk of being weakened when subjected to shock loadings.
Microalloy Steel
Microalloy steel is a type of steel used for high-performance applications and in areas such as the aerospace industry. Even with its complicated manufacturing process, microalloy steel can be cheaper and more sustainable than other types of steel.
The product known as microalloy steel offers mechanical qualities that are improved. The qualities enhance by adding small amounts of alloying compounds. These compounds increase the properties desired in the product. They also help decrease production costs. This material is used in crankshafts, connecting rods, and components for auto drivetrains, among other uses.
Carbon Steel
Carbon steel is a type of steel that has an increased content of carbon. Carbon steel is usually used for blades, springs, and other objects that need to be stronger and more durable than other types of steel.
Carbon steel is a product that will often include alloys such as tungsten, chromium, cobalt, titanium, and nickel, among other possibilities. It is the carbon itself that determines how hard the material is. These parts are highly economical to produce. They are ideal for uses that do not require the material to stand up to high operating temperatures.
Contact Us for a Quote in Custom Forging
We keep the following materials in stock to use for forging:
- Carbon & Low Alloy Steel
- Stainless Steel
- Chrome Moly
- Nickel Alloys
Contact our sales team here at Forged Components today for more information regarding our custom forgings and products. We would be happy to provide you with a consultation and to offer you a quote on ASME forging components. Call us at (281) 441-4088 or contact us online to get a quote from our sales staff.