Casting process and forging process are two very different metal processing processes, they have significant differences in the production process, product shape, quality characteristics, cost and applicable materials, etc., the multi-stage centrifugal pump using forging and casting process has significant differences in many aspects. In the choice of which process of the multistage centrifugal pump, need to be based on the product performance requirements, shape complexity, production costs and material characteristics and other factors for comprehensive consideration, in general, only in the need of high temperature and high pressure conditions to use the forging process of the multistage centrifugal pump, such as thermal power plant high-power unit boiler feed pump and petrochemical industry. In this article, Zoomlian Pumps, a multistage centrifugal pump manufacturer, will discuss in detail the differences between multistage centrifugal pumps using forging and casting processes.
1. Production process
Casting process: The molten metal (such as aluminum, zinc, copper, etc.) is poured into a pre-prepared mold, and after the metal is cooled and solidified, the casting of the desired shape is removed from the mold. The casting process mainly involves melting metal, mold manufacturing, pouring and solidification.
Forging process: The process of shaping metal billets (such as carbon steel, alloy steel, aluminum alloy, etc.) into the desired shape by applying pressure (such as hammering, pressing, etc.). The forging process involves heating the metal billet to a plastic state, applying pressure to deform, and subsequent cooling and trimming.
2. Product shape
Casting process: It is usually used to produce metal parts with simple shape and large size, such as automobile engine cylinder block and aircraft parts. Cast parts are generally monolithic structures with no joints or welding points, but shape and dimensional accuracy may be relatively low.
Forging process: can produce a variety of complex shapes and high precision metal parts, especially those requiring high strength and wear resistance parts. Forged parts are more precise in shape and can be customized as needed.
3. Quality characteristics
Casting process: Because the metal liquid is cooled and solidified in the mold, the mass distribution inside the casting is relatively uniform, but there may be defects such as pores and cracks. In addition, the mechanical properties of castings (such as strength and toughness) may not be as good as those of forged parts.
Forging process: Through plastic deformation, the internal structure of the metal is more dense and uniform, so as to improve the mechanical properties and wear resistance of the parts. Forged parts usually have high strength and toughness, and the internal mass distribution is more uniform.
4. Cost
Casting process: The production cost is relatively low because the mold can be reused and is suitable for mass production. In addition, the metal loss in the casting process is less, and the material utilization rate is higher.
Forging process: The production cost is relatively high because of the need to customize the mold, and the cost allocation is higher when the production quantity is small. In addition, the metal loss in the forging process is also large.
5. Applicable materials
Casting process: Suitable for low melting point, good fluidity of metal materials, such as aluminum, zinc, copper, etc. These materials are easy to control during the melting process and can be well filled in the mold.
Forging process: Suitable for high melting point, good plastic metal materials, such as carbon steel, alloy steel, aluminum alloy, etc. These materials can withstand large deformation without breaking when heated to a plastic state.