Forging of superalloys

The control of the hot-working processes from the initial ingot breakdown procedures to the final forging of precision components is critical for the generation of consistent mechanical properties. As a consequence, there have been improvements in both process control and monitoring as well as significant efforts in the process modelling of the hot-working operations. The paper discusses the differences between open and closed die forging methods, as applied to the range of nickel-based superalloys, from the relatively forgeable heat-resistant engineering alloys to the creep-resistant alloys used in turbine manufacture which have very poor hot-workability. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.