Economic and Design Advantages of Aluminum Precision Forgings

Aluminum precision forgings previously considered economically justified only in high production are today finding greater application at lower production requirements. Improvement in forging die design, the use of segmented dies, and the ability to machine die cavities with EDM are some of the reasons. Value analysis has shown that some precision forgings are economically justified for production as low as 125-150 pieces. The more expensive the machining operations required to produce the part versus producing these details in the forging from accurate forging dies, the more advantageous the precision forging becomes. Precision forging tolerances plus the absence of draft has brought the weight of the forging within range of the machined part. Forgings ready for assembly as received or requiring only fastener holes, anodizing, and painting, have reduced or eliminated double handling, machining operations, fixtures, and machining scrap.