Superior steel purity at a reduction ratio less than the traditional
6-to-1 minimum is now a reality.
TimkenSteel’s Forged-Rolled
process enables the customer to receive certified, sound-centered bars at
reduction ratios less than 3:1.
When it comes to bulk deformation and breakdown of as-cast
steel blooms – there are two methods: forging and rolling. We combine both
processes in order to capture the benefits of each. Our forging sequences use the initial, heavy
breakdown passes of a bar forging sequence, leaving off the abundance of small
reduction cosmetic passes required in a completely forged bar. Then, final size
and shape uniformity is achieved using our two rolling mills, which are much
better suited to special bar quality (SBQ) dimensional control than an open-die
forge press.
A Superior Deformation Process
We design our forge press
sequences to deliver heavy, compressive deformation to where it is needed most –
at the center of your bar.
Historically, customers used reduction ratio (the ratio
between the as-cast and final cross-sectional areas) as a proxy for center
soundness despite the fact that reduction ratio only accounts for the geometric
shape change, not the center condition. Using advanced modeling tools,
TimkenSteel can focus on optimizing center soundness without the traditional
constraints of reduction ratio. The forging sequences developed with these
tools are validated against actual ultrasonic testing results and used to
optimize the Forged-Rolled process path for our jumbo blooms.
TimkenSteel Class B Assurance
We can achieve and assure Class
B soundness or better on most grades for our entire large bar size range.
Our Class B guarantee stands on a foundation made from years
of in-plant trials, computer modeling and validation by ultrasonic
non-destructive testing.
The Forged-Rolled process utilizes two of TimkenSteel’s recent
investments – the inline forge press and jumbo bloom vertical caster. Forged-Rolled contains the best of both
worlds – the center consolidation of forging plus the size control of rolling.