Forging & Casting are two main processes for metal product manufacturing.
In Casting, “Hot liquid metal is poured into a die to get a die shape metal piece.”
Forging, “It is the process in which heated metal is shaped with a compressive force in between the die. Which results die shape metal get obtained.”
Both the processes have their own process methods. But in this post, We are going to discuss Drop Forging Hammer Which is the main machinery of Forging.
Drop Forging Hammers
DROP FORGING HAMMER
It is not an easy task for a normal person to lift the 50 KGs with one hand. Some how if we assume that 1person can lift 50 Kgs. Than we need at least 20 men to lift 1 Ton. But with help of drop hammer, 1TON weight can be uplift by 1 single person with only a single hand without any type of burden. That’s the DropForginghammer.
Drop forging hammer is also known As
Belt drop hammer
Friction drop hammer
Gravity drop hammer
As nameimplies, In this process Drop or free fall of big hammer is used to produce compressive force on heated metal in between the two dies at a particular temperature. The Induction motor is the key which generates the power behind the drop forging hammer. A motor continuously rotates on above the hammer. A special mechanical mechanism is used to lift the big hammer.
A mechanical mechanism is connected with a rope. When a rope is get pulled, due to the mechanism, big hammer get lifted. When rope is get released, hammer get fall due to gravity.
Features of drop forging hammer
Capacity ranges from 500kgs to 10000kgs
Both skilled & Non-skilled workforce can operate it
Versatile in manufacturing forged products
Spare parts are readily available
Parts of drop forging hammer
Machine is divided into three sections :
Gear head Assembly
Columns
Anvil block
All these parts of drop forging hammer are going to be discussed next !
An image of 1.5 Ton drop forging hammer is shown below In which all the different parts are marked.
1.5 TON Drop forging Hammer
1. Gear Head Assembly
Heavy duty gear head assembly made from rolled steel mounted on the columns. The derive is through a V-belts from high torque A.C motor via flywheel. Reduction gear is used in lifter shaft. As shown in an image above, 1.5 TON hammer. Which is running with 75 H.P 3-phase Induction motor which is fitted on top of head assembly.
2. Columns, slides & Tup
Cast steel columns are duly annealed. Machines are very stiff & robust in construction to ensure longer stability. These are positioned by large spigot on underside of each foot which fits into a machined recess in the anvil block.
Columns of 1.5 TON drop forging Hammer
The columns are locked with the help of tapered wedges of alloy steel to ensure firm alignment of columns which helps in accurate guiding of tup.
Tup is the heavy weight Which presses the heated metal in between the die. Tup is made out of EN-9 cast steel.
The clearance between the tup & guideways attached to column is maintained with the help of tapered wedges which brings the columns inward & outward.
Synthetic rubber mat is provided on the anvil block on which column rest. It dampens the induced vibration which increase the life of tup & columns & also ensure smooth working of machine for longer period.
3. Anvil Block
It is made of grey cast iron weighting Approx. 20 times of nominal capacity of the hammer. If hammer capacity is 1ton than weight of the anvil will be 20 tons.
It is machined from top face to hold die holder firmly & maintain position of columns. The die holder fixed in the anvil block is forged from high grade alloy steel all over hardened & it is positioned properly with the help of alloy steel tapered wedges.
Anvil block 1.5 TON Drop forging Hammer
Electrical part of Drop Forging Hammer
75 H.P Induction motor is installed on gear head assembly In which a flywheel is rotating through V-belts directly. Star Delta starter is used to operate the motor.
75 HP Induction motor on 1.5TON Drop forging hammer
Star – Delta Starter for 75HP Induction Motor
Components in Star-Delta Starter
Working of Drop Forging Hammer
The working trick is hidden in the gear head assembly. The main flywheel shaft is connected to lifter shaft through gear system. Friction lifting system is fitted to lifter shaft which run as on double ball bearings & One central phosphorous bronze bearing which also serve as support to lifter shaft.
The friction lifter consists of constantly rotating drum & break lines steel band. This band is anchored at one end to stud in lifter drum & Other end is carried by camshaft running through lifter drum which actuated by lever.
The lever is operated with the help of pulling cord tied to lever at one end goes to operating point by passing through capstan bush attached to lifter shaft.
When the cord pulling tightens on to the rotating capstan bush which operate the lever resulting in tightening of brake around the break drum with the help of cam shaft.
At this stage, lifter drum rotates & tup is lifted with the help of nylon belt.
On release of cord the spring loaded arrangement help free fall of tup by disengaging fiction band immediately from the friction drum. The spring loaded buffer work as stopper for lifting drum in its rest position. Positive water cooling arrangement must be provided to the friction drum to prevent excessive heating.
Technical specifications of Drop Forging Hammer
Hammer size depend upon its rating. There are wide range of hammers from 0.5 ton to 10 ton. Size of the motor, weight of tup, weight of anvil, length of columns, No. of strokes all the things depend upon the hammer rating. Technical specifications of different types drop forging hammer is shown in an image below:
Technical specifications for Drop forging Hammer
SUMMARY
Forging is the process in which heated metal is shaped with a compressive force in between the die. Which results die shape metal get obtained.
Drop forging hammer is also known As Belt drop hammer, Friction drop hammer & Gravity drop hammer.
In Drop forging hammer, A heavy weight is lifted up through a mechanical arrangement & then gravity force is utilized to obtain compressive force.
Drop forging hammers are rated in Tons, ranges from 0.5 ton to 10 ton.
Machine is divided into three sections : Gear head Assembly, Columns & Anvil block.
🔧 Drop Forging Hammer — FAQs
1. What is a Drop Forging Hammer? A drop forging hammer is a forging machine that shapes heated metal by lifting a heavy ram and then dropping it onto the workpiece between dies, using gravity and mechanical force.
2. How does a drop forging hammer work? The hammer’s tup (ram) is lifted by a mechanical system driven by a motor and gear head assembly. When released, the ram falls under gravity and delivers a powerful blow to the heated metal placed between dies, forming it into the desired shape.
3. What are the main parts of a drop forging hammer? Typical main sections include the gear head assembly, columns & slides, tup (ram), and the anvil block which holds the lower die.
4. What are the different types of drop forging hammers? Drop forging hammers come in several forms including belt drop hammer, friction drop hammer, and gravity drop hammer, each using a slightly different lifting mechanism.
5. What materials are commonly forged using a drop forging hammer? Metals like carbon steel, alloy steel, aluminum, and other alloys are typically forged using drop hammers to achieve stronger mechanical properties and desired shapes.
6. Why is the metal heated before drop forging? Heating metal before forging makes it softer and more ductile so it can flow into the die cavities under compressive forces, allowing for better shaping with fewer defects.
7. What industries use drop forging hammers? These machines are widely used in automotive, aerospace, railway, and agricultural equipment manufacturing for making parts like crankshafts, connecting rods, hooks, and levers.
8. What are the advantages of drop forging over casting? Drop forging generally produces parts with better grain flow and strength, reduced internal defects, and superior mechanical properties compared to casting.
9. How is a drop forging hammer rated? Hammers are rated by capacity, typically in tons, representing the weight and impact energy the machine can deliver — common sizes range from 0.5 to 10+ tons.
10. Is drop forging the same as press forging? No. Drop forging uses high-speed blows to shape metal, while press forging applies slow, continuous pressure with a mechanical or hydraulic press.
11. How many blows are needed to form a part? The number of blows depends on the complexity of the part, die shape, and material — often multiple blows are needed to fully fill the die and achieve final shape.
12. What safety precautions are important? Operators need proper training, heat-resistant PPE, guarding around moving parts, and careful attention to avoid burns, flying scale, and pinch points when working with drop forging hammers. (General safety practice)
Hope, post is beneficial If You have any doubt, Query or suggestion Please Do comments !