'Machined' vs. 'forged'

[gilbs72]

What do these terms mean?

'machined'
'forged'
'cast'
'welded' (TIG weld, MIG weld, etc.)

Assuming the same alloy, how do these compare with each other in strength (where applicable)?

[sapool]

let me try ;D
machined = the metal or something went through trimmings by means of lathe machine shaper anything that is used in machine shops so that you can achieve the specified specs, like creating rough surfaces or smooth surfaces, its almost part of the process of "finishing"

forged = process of creating the metal(ie alloys), this is commonly done by foundrys, when making a forge component you make mouldings (dies) so that when you pour the melted alloy on the mouldings, when the metal cools down you have made a part of or whole component.

cast = i think it's almost the same as forging? ;D

welded = its like the glue for metals(combining 2 separate metals) this is done by using welding machine (glue gun of metal ;D) or by using "hinang" ;D TIG welds ang MIG welds are different kinds of welding composite(analogy: glue stick;D), it uses a TIG, MIG specific kind of machine. i think this kind of weld has good quality and can be used to weld sheet of thin metals ;D

[extraFunky]

(cnc) machined = solid block of metal (aluminum) is "carved" by a computer controlled lathe machine
forged = metal is heated and pressed into shape
cast = metal is melted and poured into a mold (die)

though cnc machined are more expensive, i think forged parts are stronger since the forging process adds strength. not sure so don't take my word for it ;D cast is obviously weaker than the other two since molten metal is only gravity poured so the final product has less density.

no idea about the type of welds, sorry.

[gilbs72]

Thanks sapool, bxc. Is forging the same process done with swords? I'm just guessing... forging (pressing and shaping) compresses certain areas thereby adding density where the craftsman believes it counts. Is this nearly correct?

Following the 'sword' example, a machined or cast sword will not be as strong as a forged one? So wouldn't it be the same with, say, bicycle stems and handlebars?

Thanks again!

[extraFunky]

Yeah, I think forging is similar with swords except forged parts are pressed into a die instead of hammering.

Machined parts could be made from a forged blank so it could be as strong.

gilbs72 said:

Thanks sapool, bxc. Is forging the same process done with swords? I'm just guessing... forging (pressing and shaping) compresses certain areas thereby adding density where the craftsman believes it counts. Is this nearly correct?

Following the 'sword' example, a machined or cast sword will not be as strong as a forged one? So wouldn't it be the same with, say, bicycle stems and handlebars?

Thanks again!

[sapool]

i think these links can help us understand more about casting and forging ;D

www.peddinghausanvils.com/forging_benefits.htm
www.calcom.ch/News&Events/actives/eTip16.pdf
www.diecasting.org/faq/

as for machining, i think we cannot compare its strength with other processes because this is a process right after forging or casting. because not all metal forming is as simple as making swords. sometimes when creating something from metal, after casting or forging, there are still a lot to be done, like when making car mag wheels. CNCs are used to create more intricate details, like giving it a sharper looking edge, a more polished look.
just my 2 cents ;D

[gilbs72]

Thanks guys. Your comments will surely help some of us in deciding which parts are good deals. The links are also very interesting.

[PT]

hahaha ... now i know what those words mean ..