Manufacture of steel components using Castforging
| Reference number | |
| Coordinator | IGELFORS BRUKS AB - Igelfors Bruk AB |
| Funding from Vinnova | SEK 500 000 |
| Project duration | November 2012 - October 2013 |
| Status | Completed |
Purpose and goal
The purpose was to evaluate castforging on steel and the aim was to verify this with test rods. The aim has been fulfilled and the prestudy shows good forgeability, radically improved strength and possible weight and energy savings. A number of components have been identified with potential for castforging together with Scania and AB Volvo and the next step is to seek funding for a future project with focus on castforging of components.
Results and expected effects
The result shows a sharp reduction of pores as well as significant increase in yield and tensile strength as well as ductility compared with casted test rods. This indicates possibilities to reduce the weight, material and energy consumption/component compared to casted component. Several automotive components have been identified as interesting and ´Fordonskomponentgruppen´ (FKG), Scania CV, AB Volvo as well as agricultural manufacturers have shown interest for the method.
Approach and implementation
Cast and rolled test rods were manufactured in material SS 2225 and dropforged. The presence of pores before and after forging was examined with microscope. Tensile test wands were manufactured and tensile tests were conducted and evaluated. Initial attempts to transfer data from casting- to forging simulations were performed. An initial energy investigation with support from Ecoinvent reports was produced. Possible components were discussed with Scania and AB Volvo and the agricultural sector.