HOT forging

In forming technology, we distinguish between cold, semi-hot and hot forming.

The addition of heat in the forging process enables the forming of high-strength materials - useful for highly stressable components. 

The temperature during forming is variable, depending on the type and material. Each material harbors a different microstructure and requires a specific temperature window.

In cold forming, the material consumption due to lubrication or the tool load is significantly lower.

When steel materials are used, the disadvantage is that scale formation as well as component distortion can occur due to the strong temperature influences.

Compared to cold forming, the surface quality of the hot-formed part is significantly poorer and usually requires post-processing steps.

Cold forming and hot forming differ in the following respects:

Hot forming

• Forming above the recrystallization temperature
• Large changes in shape possible
• Low forming forces
• Dimensional tolerances and surface quality worse
• than with cold forming
• Scaled surface
• Hardening is constantly degraded again

Cold forming

• Forming below recrystallization temperature
• Smaller deformation possible
• Higher forces with comparable degree of forming
• Narrow dimensional tolerances possible
• No scaling of the surface
• Hardening can be reduced after forming by recrystallization annealing