Differences and Characteristics of Casting and Forging

Date: 2024-07-02　‖　Author：FuDong Machinery

Casting and forging are two common methods of metal processing. This article briefly explores the differences and characteristics of the two processes in order to better understand their applicability in different applications.

1. Casting

The process is done by pouring molten metal or alloy into a mold, cooling and solidifying the metal piece into the desired shape. 

Casting

Peculiarity

• It is possible to manufacture metal parts with complex shapes and small structures.
• It is suitable for mass production and the cost is relatively low.
• A variety of metal and alloy materials can be used.
• The surface roughness is high, and subsequent processing is usually required.

2. Forging

Forging

Forging is a metalworking method that works by applying pressure and deformation to the metal to make it a workpiece of the desired shape and size.

Peculiarity:

• It is suitable for manufacturing workpieces with high mechanical property requirements, such as gears, shafts, etc.
• It can improve the density and mechanical properties of metals.
• It can be personalized and customized, which is suitable for small batch production.
• The surface roughness is lower and the quality is higher.
• It requires a large tonnage force and equipment investment.

3. Differences

• Material fluidity: Casting is the flow of liquid metal to form a shape, while forging is a solid metal to achieve shape through plastic deformation.
• Processing method: Casting is through mold forming and gravity forming, and forging is forced to deform by hammering or pressing force.
• Surface quality: the surface roughness of the casting is high, and subsequent processing is required; The surface quality of the forged parts is better, which can reduce the workload of subsequent processing.
• Production efficiency: casting is suitable for mass production, and the efficiency is high; Forging is suitable for small batch production and is relatively inefficient.
• Material utilization: There will be a certain amount of material loss in the casting process, and forging can make better use of materials.

4. Application field

• Casting:

It is widely used in the manufacture of pumps, valves, engine blocks, wheels and other complex shapes and mass production of metal parts.

Castings

• Forging:

It is often used to manufacture high-strength, high-precision workpieces such as gears, shafts, and connectors, as well as small-batch production of personalized customization.

Forgings

5. Conclusion

Casting and forging are two common metal processing methods, each with different characteristics and scope of application.

Casting is suitable for the high-volume production of metal parts with complex shapes, while forging is generally suitable for low-volume production of high-strength, high-precision workpieces (except die forging).

Understand the differences and characteristics of these two processes, and choose the appropriate processing method according to specific needs to improve production efficiency and product quality.        -End-