FusionForged®: Technical Info

FusionForged® — For those who want a more technical viewpoint:

From a metallurgical standpoint, the big benefit of Nordt’s FusionForged® technology comes from the fact that it incorporates hot-working rather than cold-working. By definition, “hot-working” of metals involves significant plastic deformation at temperatures at or above the re-crystallization temperature. Under these conditions, large deformations are possible because recrystallization annealing is occurring simultaneously with the deformation. The combination of heat, hydro-dynamic pressure, and plastic flow provides excellent “healing” conditions which eliminate any shrinkage or gas porosity which may have been present in the original casting. 

When using the more conventional cold-working processes, such as rolling or drawing, the deformation process and the heating (annealing) cycle are separate and sequential. Although these sequential processes can, indeed, improve material properties, they are not as effective as hot-working.

To achieve the optimum combination of properties, Nordt employs both hot and cold working operations. The hot work process occurs first to accomplish large deformation quickly and eliminate any material defects. Cold drawing is typically used as a finishing operation to achieve both precise dimensions and the desired temper.