Forging tools are the various hand tools and equipment used to heat, hold, shape, cut, and finish metal during the forging process. These tools enable the application of controlled force on heated metal to obtain the desired shape, size, and mechanical properties while ensuring safety and accuracy in forging operations.
In this article:
10 Must have Tools for Forging:
Forging requires a variety of tools and equipment to heat, shape, handle, and finish the metal safely and accurately. These tools can be broadly classified into heating tools, holding tools, striking tools, shaping tools, cutting tools, supporting tools, and measuring/finishing tools. A detailed explanation is given below.
1. Heating Tools
These tools are used to heat the metal to the required forging temperature so it becomes plastic and easy to deform.
(a) Forge (Furnace)
- Types: Coal forge, coke forge, gas forge, electric forge
- Function: Heats metal to forging temperature
- Requirement: Uniform heating to avoid cracks and defects
(b) Blower or Air Supply
- Supplies air to the forge to increase combustion efficiency
- Can be hand-operated or motor-driven
2. Holding Tools
Used to hold and manipulate hot metal safely during forging.
(a) Tongs
- Made of mild steel
- Different shapes for different cross-sections
- Types: Flat-jaw tongs, round-jaw tongs, V-jaw tongs, box-jaw tongs
(b) Pliers
- Used for light-duty holding and twisting operations
3. Striking Tools
These tools deliver force to deform the heated metal.
(a) Hammers
- Hand hammers: Ball-peen hammer, cross-peen hammer, straight-peen hammer
- Power hammers: Steam hammer, pneumatic hammer
- Used for shaping, drawing, bending, and flattening
(b) Sledge Hammer
- Heavy hammer used for large forgings
- Often operated by a striker under supervision
4. Supporting Tools
These provide a solid base for forging operations.
(a) Anvil
- Made of hardened steel
- Has face, horn, step, and hardy hole
- Used for flattening, bending, and shaping metal
(b) Swage Block
- A heavy block with various holes and grooves
- Used for forming different shapes
5. Shaping Tools
Used to form specific shapes and profiles.
(a) Fullers
- Used to reduce cross-section and draw out metal
- Types: Top fuller and bottom fuller
(b) Swages
- Used to produce round, hexagonal, or square shapes
- Types: Top swage and bottom swage
(c) Set Hammer
- Used for finishing flat surfaces and sharp corners
(d) Flatter
- Used to smooth and level surfaces after forging
6. Cutting Tools
Used to cut or split hot metal.
(a) Chisel
- Hot chisel (for hot metal)
- Cold chisel (for cold metal)
(b) Hardy Tool
- Square shank tool fitted into the anvil hardy hole
- Used for cutting and bending
7. Punching and Drifting Tools
Used to make and enlarge holes.
(a) Punch
- Used to make holes in hot metal
(b) Drift
- Used to enlarge and shape punched holes
8. Measuring and Inspection Tools
Used to check dimensions and accuracy.
- Steel rule
- Vernier caliper
- Templates and gauges
9. Finishing Tools
Used after forging to improve surface finish and accuracy.
- Files
- Grinding wheels
- Wire brushes
10. Safety Equipment (Essential)
Although not shaping tools, safety equipment is critical.
- Safety goggles
- Heat-resistant gloves
- Leather apron
- Safety shoes
Summary Table :
| Tool Category | Examples |
|---|---|
| Heating | Forge, blower |
| Holding | Tongs, pliers |
| Striking | Hammers, sledge |
| Supporting | Anvil, swage block |
| Shaping | Fullers, swages |
| Cutting | Chisel, hardy |
| Punching | Punch, drift |
Conclusion
Forging tools are essential for heating, handling, shaping, and finishing metal safely and efficiently. Proper selection and use of these tools ensure accurate shaping, high-quality forgings, and safe working conditions.
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