Difference between castings and forgings

1.Different manufacturing processes

Casting: It is a metal part obtained by pouring liquid metal or molten metal alloy into the mold, and then releasing the mold after cooling and solidification. This process is similar to pouring melted wax into the mold to make wax figures, but the material is changed to metal, forging: the use of forging hammer, press and other equipment to forge or extrude the metal blank, so that it produces plastic deformation to obtain the required shape and size of the metal product. The forging process is similar to how dough is molded into various shapes in the hands of a cook

Forging: It is the use of forging hammer, press and other equipment to forge or extrude the metal blank, so that it produces plastic deformation to obtain the required shape and size of the metal products. The forging process is similar to how dough is molded into various shapes in the hands of a cook

2.Different shape and structure

Casting: Can produce a variety of complex shapes of parts, including curves, thin walls, uneven structure, its shape and size is mainly determined by the mold.

Forgings: Although complex shapes can be made, their shape and size are less flexible than castings. Forgings are more focused on improving the internal organization and properties of metals through the forging process.

3.Different performance and quality

Castings: Defects are prone to occur in the manufacturing process, such as pores, inclusions, etc., which may affect the mechanical properties and durability of the castings. In addition, the dimensional accuracy and surface quality of the casting may also be relatively low.

Forgings: In the forging process, the metal bad material is subjected to pressure, its internal organization is densified, and the mechanical properties are significantly improved. The strength, hardness, resistance and tensile strength of forgings are usually better than castings. At the same time, the dimensional accuracy and surface quality of the forging are relatively high

4.Different cost and efficiency

Castings: Because it can be produced in large quantities and the manufacturing process is relatively simple, the production cost is low and the production efficiency is high.

Forgings: The production cost is relatively high because the forging equipment is expensive and the forging process requires a lot of energy and manpower. However, the high performance and high quality of forgings can often compensate for this cost disadvantage

5.Different Application scenario

Castings:In the need for mass production, complex shapes and mechanical properties are not very high requirements, castings may be more commonly used. For example, automobile engine cylinder block, crankshaft and other parts are often manufactured by casting process.

Forgings:Forgings are more suitable for occasions where mechanical properties, dimensional accuracy and surface quality are required. For example, high-technology products such as aircraft engine shells and spacecraft parts are often manufactured by forging process.