SOME ASPECTS OF THE ECONOMIC PRODUCTION OF COMPLEX STEEL-COMPONENTS BY COLD-FORGING AND MACHINING

This paper deals with combined cold forging and machining of complex steel components, which for various reasons, e.g material, geometry, size, quantity and accuracy, cannot be net-shape forged and/or are difficult to machine. The criterion for the optimum balance between forging and machining are the economical, as well as the technological aspects of the total production process. Two computer programs designed for cost calculations of each of the processes - cold forging and machining - were selected and adapted to the actual problem; a customized tooling cost estimation program for forging tooling was included. The results demonstrate that generalized statements are difficult to make, and that each individual case must be studied carefully. This paper was originally published in Advanced Technology of Plasticity 1993 - Proceedings of the Fourth International Conference on Technology of Plasticity, which was held in Beijing, China in September 1993.