Why Grain Flow Matters

We’re all about forging for grain flow at Anderson Shumaker. After all, grain flow is important when creating durable, long-lasting forged products. From rings to bars, we know the internal structure of our products is key to our customers’ end uses. But when it comes to forging metal, what exactly is grain flow, and why does it matter?

What is Grain Flow?

When forging deforms non-metallic inclusions, it changes the directional orientation of the metal grains. As a result, the grain flow changes. Mechanical properties vary with respect to orientation relative to grain flow. For example, properties such as impact toughness, ductility, and fatigue strength can be improved significantly by proper alignment, and optimum alignment occurs when the maximum principal stress (perpendicular to a potential crack or fracture) is aligned with the grain lines. Most importantly, grain flow optimization can enhance mechanical properties, impact strength, and fatigue endurance limits, often boosting a product’s life several times over other metalworking techniques such as castings.

Anderson Shumaker Knows How to Go with the Flow

In Anderson Shumaker’s forging processes, metal is worked through controlled compressive stresses while heated. Our talented workforce carefully controls each step of the forging process to ensure grain flow is optimized. Furthermore, we provide in-house testing to check our products’ internal structure, soundness, and grain flow. Most importantly, we make sure we deliver to our customers’ exact specifications. From aerospace to pumps and valves to industrial machinery and equipment, grain flow control – one of the biggest advantages of die forging – delivers impressive performance and durability.