Why Forging?

Forging is a superior to casting or machining bar stock since the metal’s natural grain flow is made to conform to the shape of the product.  Castings have an isotropic grain structure and, for a given part, may be as strong in compression loads, but forgings are superior in tensile and shear loads due to the utilization of the grain flow.

Trinity Forge and Machine typically uses specialty bar stock as our incoming raw material. As these metal bars are rolled, the grain structure within the material is forced to flow along the centerline of the bar.  When a forging is produced from the bar, this inherent grain flow follows the contour of the forged shape. Any machined part, whether produced from bars or plate, will by definition cut through part of the grain flow. Castings essentially have no grain direction. This is one of the primary reasons forging produces a superior part.

The structural reliability of forgings allows designers to trust the material to adhere to the safety factors of the design.  It also can provide more uniform response to heat treatment and machining operations.

Forgings are the most wear-resistant and heat-resistant option available.

In many cases, forgings also offer a cost-savings over other methods of manufacture. Forgings can be made near-net or net in shape, therefore reducing machine time and/or scrap.