Closed Die Forging

Here at B.B. Price, we have been using closed die forging methods to produce durable, high-strength metal components for over 130 years.

Our closed die forging falls under our drop forging services, where we use advanced equipment and skilled craftsmanship to deliver precision-engineered products for a wide range of industries. This includes the construction, defence, and mining industries, which rely on closed die forging methods to achieve tighter tolerances for their steel components.

To find out how closed die forging can benefit your next project, get in touch with our team of experts today. With ISO9001:2015 and ISO 14001:2015 accreditations, we are the UK company of choice for all your forging and metal fabrication needs.

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What Is Closed Die Forging?

Closed die forging is a specialised form of drop forging. It is a metal manufacturing process whereby the metal workpiece is confined within enclosed dies, hence the name ‘closed die forging’. These dies contain cavities which determine the final shape of the metal component. 

Once heated and placed within the dies, pressing or hammering causes the metal to gradually take the shape of the die’s cavity. The metal workpiece is compressed within these dies, so that when it cools and solidifies, it takes the shape of the final product.

It differs significantly to open die forging, which uses dies that do not fully encase the metal, and instead seeks to shape the metal more openly rather than through compressive force.

 

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A metal component forged at B.B. Price using closed die forging

What Does The Closed Die Forging Process Involve?

  1. First, the metal workpiece is heated and placed within enclosed dies.
  2. Next, hammers are then ‘dropped’ or a pressing force is applied so that the heated metal is compressed between the dies.
  3. Repeated hammer blows or continued pressing causes the metal to fill out the shape of the die, gradually taking the shape determined by the die’s mould.
  4. Excess metal is squeezed out along the die parting lines,  in a process known as ‘flashing’, which helps to ensure the cavity is completely filled.
  5. This process continues until the mould has been completely filled, at which point the metal will have assumed the shape of the die, producing a precise metal component.

These are the essentials to the process, however, multiple dies may be used during the forging process to help the workpiece reach its final shape. 

For example, the workpiece may start in a rough fullering cavity, before being further refined by a blocking cavity, and then finished with a final die to apply more intricate details to the piece.

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What are the Advantages of Closed Die Forging?

Allows for Complex Components: 

Because dies can be designed with highly specific moulds and cavities, closed die forging allows for components to be forged with high levels of detail. It would be too costly and time-consuming to attempt to impart such intricate shapes onto metal workpieces with open die methods, and so closed die forging excels at producing complex components.

Tighter Tolerances:

Closed die forging allows for precise control over the shape and dimensions of components, resulting in tighter tolerances compared to other forging methods. This makes it the forging method of choice for industries where precision is critical.

Improved surface finish:

Because the metal is confined within a die designed for precision, the surface finish of the product is also often superior when compared to other forging methods. A smoother finish also reduces or eliminates the need for extensive grinding or polishing. This saves both time and cost in finishing operations.

Suitable for High-volume production:

As these dies can be repeatedly used, this makes closed die forging very cost-effective for high-volume production runs, as they allow for components of the same shape to be manufactured more quickly. For example, it would be a very efficient choice for a high-volume production run of eye bolts, or seatbelt buckles, which are small, intricate, and would all need to be of the same shape.

Near-Net Shapes:

Because of this ability to produce highly specific parts, closed die forging also excels at producing net or near net shapes. This means that less follow-up processes, such as machining, are required to achieve the final shape of the component. This leads to shorter turnaround times, and means many components forged this way are ready for immediate application.

 

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What Industries Benefit Most From Closed Die Forging?

 

Closed die forging plays a vital role across a wide range of industries. This precise forging method produces durable and precision-engineered components that are essential for critical applications in sectors such as:

  • Construction: For heavy-duty machinery parts and complex structural supports which need tight tolerances. 
  • Oil & Gas: Components crucial for connecting and directing pipelines which must have high levels of strength and resistance to fatigue.
  • Industrial Machinery: Various machinery parts needing high strength and wear resistance to operate under high levels of stress
  • Mining: Robust and highly durable components like crusher rolls and drill bits that can withstand harsh mining conditions.
  • Automotive and Transport: Craft vehicle frames, panels, connecting rods, shafts, and beams that need to bear heavy loads.
  • Defence and Aerospace: Precision-components, such as aircraft or tank parts, that need to perform well under high levels of stress.
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Get in Touch With B.B. Price Today

 

So if you are in need precision-forged components that meet only the the highest of standards, get in touch with B.B. Price today.

With over 130 years of experience and state-of-the-art facilities, we combine expert craftsmanship with advanced technology to deliver parts with tight tolerances and superior strength.

Our team will work closely with you throughout the design and manufacturing process to ensure your specifications are fully met. We offer both bespoke and large volume production runs, so whether it's a single prototype or a batch order you are after, we have the capacity to handle your project, no matter the scale.

Contact B.B. Price today for a free quote and discover how we can bring your project to life with reliable, precision-forged solutions.

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