What Is Forged Steel?

Forged steel is an alloy of carbon and iron that is compressed under extreme pressure to make a very hard and strong substance. It has been used for thousands of years to create all types of materials. Modern forged steel is conducted using specialized machines or hydraulic hammers. There are many things to take into consideration when understanding the benefits of forged steel.

History

Traditionally forged steel is manufactured by a smith. An individual would wet the metal with water and pound it with a hammer atop an anvil. Early types of forged steel were developed in Persia and China. Modern methods were developed throughout the 1800s.

Considerations

In order to make forged steel, the metal can either be kept at room temperature or heated to high temperatures. The higher the temperature, the easier it is for the metal to take shape and less likely to crack.

Significance

The bonus of forged steel is that the metal becomes stronger than equivalent types that are cast or machined. The pressure that compresses the steel makes the grains within the steel deform as they are forced together.

Types

There are three basic types of forged steel. Drawn out steel increases the length of the alloy, while decreasing the width. Upset steel is the opposite, the length is decreased, while the width is increased. Squeezed-in steel uses closed dies that produces flow in all directions and compacts the steel into a solid shape.

Benefits

Forged steel is used in a variety of industries. Everything from manufacturing to pharmaceuticals utilize the benefits of forged steel. Anything that can be made of metal can generally be made stronger and more weight-conscious by forged steel.