February 2020 Volume 2

MATERIALS

Using this information allows for a graphical depiction of the strong cooling power of water is shown in Figure 1.

with little thought to the potency of water cooling. Obviously, discretionary coolant application by a hammer operator poses a special challenge with respect to consistency and uniformity, but should be regimented to the extent possible. For the automated spray normally employed on presses, spray variables such as droplet size, duration, pattern and angle of spray, coupled with a properly mixed water/graphite solution for delivery to the dies, all bear upon an effective die cooling and forging lubrication practice, essential for good die life. ■ Nick Cerwin is the retired Director of Technical Service at Finkl Steel. Elizabeth Bilitz is the Metallurgy Manager for Finkl Steel - Chicago and can be reached at ebilitz@finkl.com .

Figure 1 Actual forging processes are obviously complicated well beyond this simple calculation, but applying a quantitative thought process to the cooling/lubrication phase of the forging cycle should help to arrive at an appropriate procedure. The very strong cooling power of water makes it essential to avoid haphazard application

Nick Cerwin

Elizabeth Bilitz

Modern Foundations for Forging Hammers and Presses

CAMPBELL PRESS & HAMMER REPAIR

Repair Rebuild Controls Robots Used www.campbellpress.com 517-371-1034 sales@campbellpress.com

gerbusa@gerb.com www.gerb.com/forging Call: 630-724-1660

FIA MAGAZINE | FEBRUARY 2020 41