Application of Cold and Warm Rotary Forging

Hot forging capabilities of the rotary forging process are recognized and the major forging parameters well defined. However, both warm and cold forging at ambient temperatures parameters of alloy steels used for cannon and related components are relatively unknown. Their definition will permit an expansion of the rotary forge machines capability and utilization toward mission items. The project objective was to extend the capabilities of the Rotary Forge Integrated Line by providing production data for warm and cold forging. It has been demonstrated that cold forging of thin-wall cannon with finished bores rifled is feasible by the rotary forge process. A limited number of thin-wall rifled and smooth bores have been forged as a result of the rotary forge machine. The proposed work will draw on the results from these programs to produce thin-wall tubes that meet the drawing requirements. This is the third phase of a three-year MMT effort. With FY77 funding, tooling was procured and the development of processing parameters initiated.