Forged Fittings Versus Casting

A cast fitting is made by pouring molten metal into a mold of the desired shape. Forged steel fittings are stronger and more reliable than castings because the grain flow of the solid steel piece is altered to conform to the shape of the part in the die. Because of this, forging provides uniformity of the structure and composition of the finished part. The refinement that occurs is due to the thermal cycle and deformation process which is what strengthens the final part in respect to internal working pressure, and external impact and shear strength.

Producing forged steel fittings includes cutting and heating billets, then using a pre-formed die that creates the desired shape under high pressure on the heated billet. The part is then trimmed and shot blasted to remove any flashing. This process produces a machined forged blank fitting to exact net shapes and dimensions.

The Best Methods for Manufacturing Steel Fittings

Forged fittings are far superior to other processes in the majority of applications. The forging process provides consistency in the structure and composition of the materials, and the metallurgical recrystalisation and grain refinement strengthens steel products, particularly for shear, impact and strength.

Forged steel is stronger and more reliable than brazing, casting and plate steel because the grain structure of the steel is altered, conforming to the shape of the part.