Must-Read for Ring Forging: Advantages and Applications of the Forge-Rolling Process

In high-end manufacturing, the strength, precision, and reliability of ring forgings often determine the overall performance of equipment. As a vital branch of modern forging, the forge-rolling process leverages the unique advantage of continuous localized deformation, delivering unparalleled value in the production of high-strength, high-precision rings.

Basic Process of Forge-Rolling

The forge-rolling process mainly consists of two stages:

1. Free Forging: The billet is initially forged to densify the material and form the basic size and shape of the ring, laying the groundwork for subsequent rolling.

2. Radial-Axial Rolling (Ring Rolling): Starting with a pierced ring billet, the heated material undergoes simultaneous radial expansion and axial wall reduction on a ring rolling mill. Also known as ring expansion or stretch rolling, this process produces rings close to their final shape.

With the use of dedicated dies, forge-rolling can flexibly produce a wide variety of geometries, from small washers to large cylindrical sections, all with high dimensional accuracy.

Core Advantages of Forge-Rolling

● Superior Performance: As a continuous forming process, radial-axial rolling aligns metal grain flow with the ring’s circumference, greatly enhancing fatigue resistance and load-bearing capacity—especially for high-stress applications like pressure vessels.

● Larger Dimensions: Unlike free forging, which is limited by press size, radial-axial rolling enables the production of ultra-large-diameter cylindrical forgings, opening new possibilities for large-scale equipment.

● Cost Efficiency: With fewer heating cycles and higher forming precision, this process shortens production cycles, reduces machining allowances and energy use, significantly lowering overall costs.

Typical Applications of Forge-Rolling

Forge-rolling is suitable for producing rings of diverse sizes, shapes, and materials. Its superior resistance to high temperature, impact, and fatigue makes it indispensable across advanced industries:

● Energy & Defense: Nuclear support rings, hydropower yoke forgings, wind power flanges, military pressure components

● High-End Petrochemicals: Hydrocracking reactor shells, refining sections, transition pieces

● Advanced Equipment: Rotary kiln tires, large gears, towing rings

● Transportation: Tunnel boring machine bearing rings, railway wheels, aero-engine parts, marine bearing rings

● General Machinery: Bearing rings, slewing bearings, gear rings

With advanced forge-rolling technology, Iraeta manufactures high-strength, high-precision, and ultra-large ring forgings. This capability has enabled us to deliver innovative products applied in fourth-generation nuclear power, 10,000-ton-per-day cement rotary kilns, 16-meter-diameter tunnel boring machines, and 25MW offshore wind turbines.