Hot forging is one of the primary forms of forging. Forging is a process where parts are produced by applying continuous pressure on a metal piece through the horizontal movement of a hammer or ram. In hot forging, high temperatures are applied to the process. A wide range of metals can be used in the hot forging process. Brass is one of the most popular metals in hot forging. Brass hot forging is a cost-effective and straightforward process used for producing a wide range of products in various industries. Below are reasons why hot forging of brass is common.
Why is brass an ideal metal for hot forging?
The following are some reasons why brass is an ideal metal for the hot forging process;
1. Resistance to a wide temperature range
One of the primary characteristics of brass that makes it an ideal alloy for cold forging is that it is resistant to a wide range of temperatures. This is why the alloy can withstand the high temperatures in hot forging without getting damaged. This is also why this metal alloy is applied in a wide range of manufacturing processes.
2. Immunity from oxidation
One of the significant challenges with using metals in hot forging or other manufacturing processes is oxidation. Oxidation is the process where the metal reacts with oxygen in the air to form an oxide layer. The oxide layer is usually quite hard. In some cases, it is an advantage.
Therefore oxidation can be applied as a finishing process in some cases. However, in the hot forging process, oxidation would result in severe challenges. For instance, it would impact the temperature requirements for the process. Therefore, brass is an ideal metal alloy for hot forging because it is not subject to oxidation.
3. High plasticity
Brass is also known for its high plasticity. This element allows for the metal to produce a wide range of complex geometric shapes. The complex shapes and forms can be achieved without too much effort or the need for special machinery. In hot forging, brass does not require to be struck severally to achieve the desired shape because of its high plasticity.
4. Applicability in a wide range of areas
Another reason brass is an ideal metal alloy for hot forging is that the metal is highly applicable in a wide range of sectors. Brass is trendy in the jewelry-making industry. This is primarily because of its color similarity to gold. This element is also a significant reason for the application of brass in the home furnishing industry.
Brass is also used for making valves, fittings, junctions, and a wide range of products in the plumbing industry. Its high conductivity makes it an ideal raw material for making a wide range of electrical and electrochemical components.
Final word
It is worth mentioning that brass is an alloy. This means that it is made up of a combination of metals. Brass comprises lead, copper, and other metals. The various components of brass vary in percentage. However, the primary component is usually copper, which takes up about 60 percent of the alloy. The high copper content is the reason behind the high electric conductivity element of the alloy.
