Industry information, company updates, news and happenings from APP
2016
Types of Die Forgings
Die forgings are generally classified as blocker-type, finish only, conventional, and precision. Blocker-type forgings are designed with large fillets and corner radii, thick webs, and ribs. This is so that the forgings can be produced in a set of finished dies only. Producing blocker-type forgings typically entails a unit pressure of 10 to 15 tons per square inch of projected plan area depending on the alloy and complexity of the design.
Finish only forgings pass the forged part through the press more than once to form the starting stock to the required configuration. Finish only forgings are best for low quantities or prototypes due to the amount of passes and wear that is caused to the die.
Conventional forgings are the most common of the die forging types. Conventional forgings require a unit pressure of 15 to 25 tons per square inch of projected plan area.
Precision forgings can be identified by the near-net tolerances. Highly intricate forging designs that have corner radii, draft angles, and small fillet radii should be considered for precision forging production. The cost of precision forging is higher than other die forging practices. However, design configurations can include close tolerances, greater detail, weight variations, and little to no machining. Where the justification would lie is in the removal of the machining costs and production quantity. Precision forgings require a unit pressure of 20 to 30 tons per square inch of projected plan area.
The Advantages of Precision Aluminum Forging
Precision forging was developed during WWII when the U.S. Department of Defense was in need of mass producing airplane and rotor craft parts to support the war. As the commercial airline industry developed, precision forging became of even greater importance. With advances in machining practices, precision forging is now less used as a solution in the production of aluminum parts. There are, however, major advantages of using precision forging for certain parts over any other production practice. Here are some thoughts to consider when planning your next project.
Does your part contain complex contoured surfaces with various orientations?
Precision forging, once established, can consistently forge a part providing excellent surface quality and dimensional integrity.
Will your part need to withstand high internal pressures from an air or a liquid source?
The grain flow produced in precision forgings can eliminate the concern of corrosion or mechanical property failure due to air or water pressure.
For more information please read our guide on what makes a good aluminum die forging candidate. Here you will find greater details to consider when planning for parts that require sustainability, strength, and longevity.
2015
Aluminum Precision Products celebrates 50 years of business! In a half a century, APP has become a world-class, vertically integrated manufacturer of forged, machined, finished and assembled components, producing closed die and open die aluminum forgings for the world’s largest manufacturers in the aerospace, automotive, recreation, industrial and medical markets. Click through to read the full article.
APP 50th Anniversary Featured in Forging Magazine
Aluminum Precision Product’s 50 year anniversary was featured in FORGING Magazine, chronicling the history of APP, to the advances in quality and forging techniques for the aerospace, automotive, and industrial markets. Click through to read the full article.
APP Mentors USC Engineering Students
USC Mechanical Engineering program looks to Southern California forging manufacturer, Aluminum Precision Products (APP), to help mentor students. Click through to read the full story.
APP Attends Paris Air Show
June 15-21, 2015 Aluminum Precision Products will be in Paris, France at the 51st International Paris Air Show. This is the largest and longest running aerospace trade show in the world. Stop by our booth B32 in Hall 2B if you’re at the show.
2012
The Mars Rover is lowered to the surface of Mars from the Sky Crane, the base of which was produced out of an APP hand forging.
The Space Shuttle lands for the last time in Los Angeles. The 747 on which the Shuttle is transported, and each of the F-18 escort planes include integral parts that have been forged by APP.
2010
On March 25, 2010 Aluminum Precision Products, Inc. (APP) announced that it will transfer company ownership to its employees through an Employee Stock Ownership Plan, or ESOP.