1.5. Alloys Forged

Virtually all metals have alloys that are forgeable, giving the designer the full spectrum of mechanical and physical properties of ferrous and non-ferrous alloys. The most common forging alloys include:

• Carbon, microalloy and alloy steel forgings account for the greatest volume of forgings for a very wide range of applications.
• Stainless steels are widely used where resistance to heat and corrosion are required, in applications up to approximately 510^oC (950^oF).
• Aluminum forgings are used in applications where temperatures do not exceed 150^oC (300^oF), and where weight of the component is an issue.
• Copper, brass and bronze forgings offer excellent corrosion resistance with high thermal and electrical conductivity.
• Iron, nickel and cobalt high temperature alloy forgings are preeminent for applications of cyclical and sustained loads at high temperatures.

Figure 1-8 A properly engineered forging orients the grain flow to maximize the required mechanical properties. The grain flow in the same part cut from plate is oriented in the direction of rolling; in the casting it is random.

Figure 1-9 The dragline chain link was forged to perform in a demanding environment.

• Titanium forgings are used where high strength, low weight and excellent corrosion resistance, combined with moderate heat resistance, are required.
• Magnesium forgings offer the lowest density of any commercial structural metal, at operating temperatures similar to aluminum.

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