Stainless Steel Forging and Its Main Applications

Stainless steel is commonly used in forging, thanks to its ability of resisting corrosion and heat. Forging is the best way of enhancing stainless steel’s natural strengths while saving on material costs. It is a type of Lost Wax Investment Casting that has diverse applications in multiple sectors. Here’s everything you need to know about its uses in different industries.

For grades of stainless steel

1. Austenitic- The cryogenic toughness of the grade is remarkable, and it is also non-magnetic.
2. Martensitic- The grade offers the best resistance to corrosion.
3. Duplex- This grade’s toughness is exceptional at room temperature.
4. Precipitation hardening– The grade is tough and strong.

Common applications of steel forging

• Construction, agriculture, and off-highway- Forging is an ideal process to construct parts for a wide range of outdoor equipment. As outdoor equipment must be able to endure harsh weather conditions, stainless steel forgings are appropriate in such situations.
• Rail- Forged parts are known for their durability, strength, and longevity. They have been used for ages by the rail industry.
•  Defense and firearms- The defense sector requires stainless steel forgings for multiple reasons. They are necessary for manufacturing missile guidance systems and gun components.
• Oil- In the oil industry, Stainless Steel Forging is frequently used for fabricating application wrenches of various kinds. So, naturally, the demand for steel forgings is high in this industry.
• Gear box- Forgings derived from stainless steel are incredibly versatile. No wonder they are preferably used for creating all kinds of gear parts.
• Marine- Owing to its corrosive-resistant nature, steel forgings have marine applications as well. They may be used for nuts, screws, and bolts.
• Aerospace- The versatility and sturdiness are two of the biggest strengths of stainless steel forgings. So, they have secured their place in the aerospace industry for obvious reasons.
• Medical tools- As established already, the power to resist corrosion is incredibly high in forged components of stainless steel. Therefore, they are of great use in the medical industry. In the healthcare sector, items need to be sterilized regularly to prevent infections. So, they are made of forged stainless steel. Surgical tools are a major example.
• Recreation and sports- The sports industry too depends on the technique of steel forging for manufacturing sports equipment like golf clubs. One instance of recreational equipment designed by this process is any garden tool.

The Bottom Line

In addition to the applications mentioned above, there are a number of various kinds of Stainless Steel Forgings. Some of the forgings include brackets, pinions, levers, sprockets, wheel hubs, gears, and spindles. A wide range of stainless steel products is used by various industries. Gear blanks, valve bodies, rail components, fittings, refrigerator components, and gun components are some popular examples.