Free forging refers to a method of processing a forging that uses a simple universal tool or an external force directly applied to the blank between the upper and lower anvils of the forging equipment to deform the blank to obtain the desired geometry and internal quality. Forgings produced by the free forging method are called free forgings.
Free forging is mainly for the production of forgings with small quantities, and forgings are processed by forging equipment such as forging hammers and hydraulic machines to obtain qualified forgings. The basic processes of free forging include upsetting, lengthening, punching, cutting, bending, twisting, misalignment and forging. Free forging is a hot forging method.
Gold emperor’s custom lifting ring forgings are free forging, and the free forging process includes basic processes, auxiliary processes, and finishing processes.
The basic processes of free forging: upsetting, lengthening, punching, bending, cutting, twisting, misalignment and forging, etc., and the three most common processes in actual production are upsetting, lengthening and punching.
Auxiliary process: pre-deformation process, such as press jaws, pressed steel ingot edges, cut shoulders, etc.
Finishing process: the process of reducing the surface defects of the lifting ring forgings, such as removing the uneven surface and shaping of the forgings.
Advantages of free forging: Forging flexibility is large, it can produce small pieces of less than 100kg, and can also produce heavy parts up to 300t; the tools used are simple general-purpose tools; the forming of lifting rings is to gradually deform the blanks. The tonnage of the forging equipment required for forging the same forgings is much smaller than the model forging; the precision requirements for the equipment are low; the production cycle is short.
Disadvantages and limitations of free forging: Production efficiency is much lower than model forging; lifting ring forgings are simple in shape, low in dimensional accuracy, and rough in surface; workers have high labor intensity and require high technical level; it is difficult to achieve mechanization and automation.
Free forging equipment mainly includes air hammer, free forging electro-hydraulic hammer, free forging hydraulic press, forging manipulator, forging and reclaiming machine, grinding ring machine and so on.