KNOW-HOW
HOT FORGE
HOT WORK:
copper and brass
At Forgeem, hot forging copper and brass is more than just a trade — it’s a unique technical expertise we’ve honed since 1919. We carefully heat copper to 900°C and brass to 800°C to achieve optimal malleability, then skilfully shape each piece using our precision presses.
Strict temperature control is essential, particularly for brass, to prevent dezincification and avoid the release of toxic substances. It’s this level of technical mastery and dedication that allows us to produce unique components that are not only robust, but also exceptionally well-crafted.
The concrete benefits
of hot forging
Hot forging improves its ductility, making it easier to shape while significantly increasing its strength — far beyond what cold forging can achieve.
Minimised effort, maximum precision
By heating the metal, hot forging reduces the force needed to deform it, enabling the creation of intricate and highly precise shapes.
Enhanced mechanical strength
Hot forging improves the internal structure of the metal by aligning its metallurgical grains, resulting in greater strength and durability.
Reduced risk of cracking
Unlike cold forging, hot forging limits cracks and breaks, ensuring more reliable parts.
Fewer residual stresses
This process induces fewer internal stresses in the metal, leading to better overall performance in application.
Key steps
Hot forging involves a carefully controlled sequence of heating and deformation to produce parts with superior mechanical properties.
The process begins with a copper or brass bar, known as a billet, which is cut to length by sawing and prepared for hot forging.
The billet is heated in a furnace or forge to an optimal temperature that makes the metal malleable — typically 700–900 °C for copper and 600–800 °C for brass.
Once heated, the metal is shaped by compressive force in a die using a mechanical or hydraulic press to achieve the desired geometry.
The part is cooled depending on the required result, either in open air or by
quenching, while limiting oxidation.
Excess metal, or burrs, formed during forging, is promptly removed to ensure a clean and accurate final shape.
In some cases, heat treatment is applied after forging to relieve internal stresses and further enhance the mechanical properties of the part.
Following hot forging, the component undergoes final machining to achieve exact dimensions and a flawless finish. Discover all our know-how, from raw material selection to the delivery of high-quality, finished products.
Your project deserves
Forgeem expertise,
contact us!
Your project deserves Forgeem expertise, contact us!
Energy, sanitary, automotive and industrial professionals, if you’re looking for high-quality hot-forged copper and brass components tailored to your specific requirements, you’ve come to the right place.
