Throughout the oil and gas industry in Texas, as well as in production and processing plants in the state and across the country, forged steel fittings are often the fitting of choice. These fittings are strong, durable, and ideal for high pressure and high volume types of applications across a range of different industries.
There are different ways to manufacture steel fittings, but the forging process is ideal for fittings that are extremely strong. The heating and forming process aligns the internal grains of the steel, eliminating the stress areas that are commonly found casting processes that do not allow for the internal structure of the steel to flow with the actual shape of the part.
Closed Die Forging
Most forged steel fittings used in processing, oil and gas, and production across Texas are made through a process known as closed die forging. Extremely large parts cannot be efficiently produced using this method, but for most types of fittings, the precision and high tolerances offered by closed die forging make it the ideal solution.
The first step in closed die forging, also known as hot drop forging, is to heat the steel to the desired temperature. The heated steel ingot or billet is then put under specific pressure to force the steel into the die. This is actually a pair of closed die that form the external and internal shape of the part. The combination of the plastic nature of the steel and the high pressure creates very accurate and precise forged steel fittings with both carbon and stainless steel.
Free from internal voids, stress, and any seams or welds, these fittings can stand up to high pressure, heat and flow rates, or combinations of all three.
