Forging Rings

Forged D-Ring and Clip - Ken Forging

Using one method of forging, a stock is first cut to length, upset and then pierced through the middle to create a hole in the center. (The process of upsetting decreases the metal's length and increases its cross-section.) After being pierced, the piece is placed on a mandrel or saddle, where the shape is formed by the up and down motion of a forging die. The forging die hammers the metal from above, as the work is rotated incrementally in a series of steps meant to eventually achieve the ring's final size.

Forged Carbon Steel D-Ring - Ken Forging

Another method of forging rings is called roll forging. In roll forging, a round or flat bar is increased in length and decreased in thickness through the use of two cylindrical or semi-cylindrical rolls, each containing one or more shaped grooves. A heated bar is inserted into the rolls, which rotate when the bar hits a certain spot, progressively shaping the bar as it rolls.

The bar is then inserted into the next set of grooves, or returned to the same grooves, where the process repeats. This goes on until the intended shape and size of the piece is achieved. The process of ring rolling produces seamless rings.

Forging rings, compared to casting or machining them, is an expensive and laborious process. However, forging rings can still be advantageous because the work produced will have superior strength. This superior strength exists because its grain is continuous, due to the fact that, as the metal is shaped during the forging process, its grain deforms to adapt the general shape of the piece.

Furthermore, a ring that is not forged runs the risk of compromised corrosion resistance and shape distortion, and it may require more repair down the line. For a ring that will stand the test of time, forging is the way to go.