Compare and contrast machined steel bar and plate to forging – in terms of size range, grain orientation strength, use of materials, scrap and production, and requirement for secondary operations.
Take a minute to watch our video on Forging vs Machined Steel Bar/Plates.
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Size range of desired material grades:
Machined Steel Bar/PlateSizes and shapes of products made from steel bar and plate are limited to the dimensions in which these materials are supplied. ForgingForging is often the only metalworking option available with certain grades in desired sizes. Forgings can be economically produced in a wide range of sizes – from parts whose largest dimension is less than 1 in. to parts weighing more than 450,000 lbs. |
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Strength of grain orientation:
Machined Steel Bar/PlateMachined bar and plate is more susceptible to fatigue and stress corrosion because machining cuts material grain pattern. ForgingForging yields a grain structure oriented to the part shape, resulting in optimum strength, ductility and resistance to impact and fatigue. |
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Economical use of materials:
Machined Steel Bar/PlateFlame cutting plate is a wasteful process – one of several fabricating steps that consumes more material than needed to make parts such as rings or hubs. Even more is lost in subsequent machining. ForgingMaterial cost savings can be significant, whether aluminum, steel or special alloy forging is applied. |
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Rate of scrap and cost-effectiveness of production:
Machined Steel Bar/PlateBecause of the inherent waste to the steel bar and plate machining process, there is always a high rate of scrap and loss in cost. ForgingBetter use of material, especially for near net shape forgings, generates little scrap. In high-volume production runs, forgings have the decisive cost advantage. |
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Requirement for secondary operations:
Machined Steel Bar/PlateSome grades of bar and plate require additional operations – such as turning, grinding and polishing – to remove surface irregularities and achieve the desired finish, machinability, dimensional accuracy and strength. ForgingOn average, forgings can be put into service without expensive secondary operations. |
For more information on forgings compared to machined bar / plate, visit the Forging Industry Association (FIA) website