title = "Forging Processes: Types and Selection"

content = """
Forging is a metal forming process in which compressive forces deform a heated or cold metal workpiece
(billet or preform) into a desired shape. Forging produces a refined, worked microstructure with aligned
grain flow that gives forged components superior strength, toughness, and fatigue resistance compared
to machined-from-bar or cast equivalents at the same cross-section. Bay B at Ridgecrest Metalworks is
dedicated to forging operations serving aerospace, defense, and heavy industrial customers.

Why Forge Rather Than Cast or Machine From Bar:
Forging refines the cast dendritic microstructure of the billet into a fine, equiaxed grain structure
through the mechanical deformation and recrystallization that occur at forging temperatures. The grain
flow follows the contour of the forged part, providing optimum orientation for the load paths the
component will experience in service. Machining a part from bar may inadvertently cut through grain flow
lines, exposing weaker grain boundaries to fatigue crack initiation.

Forging Temperature Ranges:
Hot forging is performed at temperatures above the material's recrystallization temperature, allowing
plastic deformation with relatively low forming force and continuous microstructure refinement. For
carbon and alloy steels, hot forging temperatures are typically 1100–1260°C. Warm forging occurs
between the recrystallization temperature and room temperature, offering improved dimensional accuracy
versus hot forging with lower forces than cold forging. Cold forging occurs near room temperature,
providing the tightest dimensional tolerances and excellent surface finish at the cost of the highest
forming forces and potential for work hardening.

Process Selection Criteria:
The choice of forging process for a given part involves consideration of:
- Material: Aluminum alloys, titanium, and superalloys have narrow forging temperature windows requiring
  precise thermal management.
- Part complexity: Open-die forging suits simple shapes and large sizes; closed-die forging handles
  complex net shapes.
- Production volume: Die costs for closed-die forging require volume to amortize; open-die is more
  economical for low volumes and custom parts.
- Dimensional requirements: Closed-die forging achieves tighter dimensional tolerances than open-die.
- Equipment available: Hammer capacity (energy-rated) vs. press capacity (force-rated) determines the
  maximum forging size achievable on existing equipment.

All forging operations are governed by an approved Forging Process Procedure specifying billet size,
heating schedule, die preheat temperature, forming sequence, and inspection requirements.
"""

version = "0.0.1"
