Bulk Forming

This group of processes encompass the shaping of materials whilst in the Solid State using pressure. Materials may be heated to enable flow, however they remain in the solid state during processing.

Shaping of the solid materials is performed primarily by the application of pressure, and in some cases simultaneous heating. Materials may be in the form of blanks or slugs, or as feedstock or powders - the processing of which results in the "bulk form", this in the majority of cases is a semi-finished form requiring post processing or further finishing.

The applied pressure can be directional or planar, as with Forging Processes, or at the other extreme, completely uniform across a component surface - as with Isostatic Pressing. Forging using conventional pressing or hammering equipment, whilst Isostatic Pressing uses the properties of a fluid (whether that be liquid or gas) to transmit pressure uniformly.

The major process characterisation variables are; the form of the material prior to processing, the mechanism by which pressure is applied, whether that the pressure is applied to a closed cavity or in an open or semi-confined configuration and the application or lack of application of heat before or during processing.

• • Hot Forging
• • Cold Forging
• • Cold Form Rolling
• • • Isostatic Pressing
  • • • Powder Forging
    • • Metal Injection Moulding
    • • Ceramic Injection Moulding
    • •