What are the Differences between Die Forging and Free Forging?

Free forging mainly refers to the machining method of forging with the required shape and internal quality by using simple universal metal forging tools or directly applying external force to the blank between the upper and lower anvils of forging equipment. Die forging process refers to the forging method of forging pieces by forming blanks with dies on special die forging equipment. Die forging can be divided into two categories according to its functions: die forging impression and blank making impression.

1. Free Forging

In free forging, only part of the metal surface comes into contact with the tool or anvil. General dies and tools are used in free forging with great flexibility, low cost and short production preparation period. Free forging is suitable for single piece and small batch production. However, free forging has low productivity, high labor intensity of workers, poor precision of forgings and large machining allowance. So the proportion of free forging in the total forging is decreasing with the progress of production technology.

2. Advantages of Die Forging

(1) It has high production efficiency. The die forging process of metal is carried out in the die cavity, so the desired shape can be made quickly.

(2) Die forging process can forge forgings with complex shapes. It can make the streamline distribution of metal more reasonable, so as to improve the service life of parts.

(3) The size of die forgings is more accurate with relatively small machining allowance and small surface quality.

(4) It can save metal materials, reduce the workload of cutting and reduce the production cost of parts on the premise of sufficient batch size.