Aluminum is a great metal for forging. Aluminum is light in weight, corrosion-resistant, and durable. When cold worked, aluminum becomes twice as strong.
Most aluminum products are made using aluminum alloys. Aluminum alloy forgings have various degrees of hardness based on the alloy’s composition.
Because of their strength, aluminum forgings are ideal for use in industries where performance and safety are a priority. Aluminum alloy can withstand intense conditions in many industries. So, what are the benefits of aluminum alloy forgings?
Benefits of Forged Aluminum Alloys
• Cryogenic properties
• Good surface finish
• Fracture toughness
• Fatigue crack growth
• Design flexibility
• Corrosion resistance
• High heat conductivity
• Strength to weight ratio
• Lightweight and low density
Industries Served with Forged Aluminum Alloys
The following industries use forged aluminum alloys because of their great strength and composition. Additionally, aluminum drop-forged pieces are perfect because they are economical and have recycling potential.
The following industries use these forged aluminum alloys:
1. Switchgear Industry
2. Refrigeration and air conditioning industry
3. Mining and construction tool industry
4. Engine industry
5. Power tools industry
6. Two and four-wheeler industry
7. Aerospace industry
Drop Forging
The drop forging process involves shaping metals. In addition to shaping, you increase the strength of the metal. Most aluminum drop forging processes involve an upper die forced against a workpiece on an immobile lower die.
The workpiece has to be heated. The process of dropping the upper die is known as drop forging. It makes the production of differently-sized components possible.
The shapes produced only require a bit of machining. Drop forging is beneficial because it is economical for large production. Aluminum alloys are the lightest to drop-forge.
In fact, aluminum forgings are replacing other metal alloys like steel in the automotive and aerospace industries. Aluminum forgings in vehicles reduce energy consumption and dead weight. At the same time, they increase load capacity.
Aluminum alloys are softer than other metals. As a result, many forging processes prefer to use this metal. It lowers the cost of production and permits easy deformation.
