Metal Forming Management: Through Efficient Technology System

Abstract

The paper gives an account of the control of technological parameters in the manufacturing areas of rolling, forging and extrusion, besides the analysis of their role-playing to yield a fit component of right and requisite mechanical properties. The control of process parameters, the various dependent and independent variables, with efficient and frequent monitoring of recommended/design process parameters is vital towards controlling the manufacturing and hence economy of the manufacturing process. It is necessary to have a holistic approach to control of process in terms of not only the desired geometry and metallurgy or consequent service behaviour, but also the socio-technological impacts of the process; viz which technology is better suited in long term interests of the society, vis-à-vis the assured supply of raw materials or energy resources, and containment of costs within the complex global economic pressures. High temperature metallurgical operations also render the manufacturing process to difficulties of environmental degradation necessitating numerous end of pipe recommendations. This calls for a usual PDCA (Plan, Do Check Act) approach as commonly applied by industries implementing quality management system (QMS) today; though at times that should have concentrated more for engineering clues. Thus optimization of given process for a balance of hot or cold working may be driven in near future by more of techno commercial reasons, given the increasing employment of non-conventional technologies of powder metallurgical (P/M) forging, or like of swarf forming. The advantages here accrue because of shorter process cycle in former and resource recycling and conservation in latter. As a prelude to environmental upgradation, new re-engineering and redesigning imperatives may be necessitated to fulfill the goals of competitive manufacturing in metal forming.