To produce complex titanium parts more cost-effectively, machine shops are increasingly incorporating advanced forging equipment to complement their existing CNC capabilities to create near-net-shaped parts that only require minimal machining. In some cases, the forging process is so precise that no additional machining is required.

There are significant advantages to include forging in a machine shop’s repertoire. With recent advances in the controls and automation of hydraulic forging presses, precision titanium parts can be forged to extremely tight tolerances, and at relatively high volume. Forging also significantly lowers titanium input costs by as much as 50%.

To forge titanium to precise specifications, however, machine shops require the right equipment with exceedingly tight control of the production parameters. Fortunately, advances in hydraulic press design, controls and automation are helping to optimize component quality, production and price.

To cost-effectively produce large, complex titanium parts, Pennsylvania-based FPD Company, a machine shop that produces aerospace and medical components, decided to invest in a unique new custom press capable of greater control with higher tonnage.

Read more: Machine Shop Utilizes Forging Press to Reduce Costs of Titanium Parts