Forged Bar
Weight from 1 kg up to 200 tons, lengths from 50 mm up to 26 meters for single pieces. All with a certificate and, if required, a (customer-specific) specification.
Forged Bar
The Right Bar, in the Right Quality
Forged bar is often chosen due to its superior homogeneity and the specific mechanical values and requirements that can be achieved with open-die forging. Additionally, certain diameters and lengths are no longer available from stock, which we can supply custom-made. This is often specifically requested for applications in industries such as turbine, offshore, valve, aerospace, hydraulics, marine, and (petro)chemical.
Execution
From Rough Forged to Fully Machined
Rough Forged
Delivered directly after forging: open-die forged, heat-treated, and with machining allowance. For those who machine the bar themselves.
Pre-machined
Most commonly ordered. The bar is pre-machined, allowing for ultrasonic testing. You perform the final machining yourself.
Fully Machined
Turned and machined according to your drawing, as a shaft or bar that fits directly into your machine or construction. Includes certificate.
Process
How a Forged Bar is Created
The input weight is calculated, cut from the ingot/billet, and brought to the desired temperature in the furnace for forging. We then forge it into the desired bar/shaft, as close as possible to the final dimension. This is followed by heat treatment, after which test pieces are taken and pre-machined with a US test, and optionally fully machined according to the customer's drawing.
Applications
For the Most Demanding Industries
Drive shaft
Cutter and intermediate shaft
Pivot pin
Main shaft
Piston rod
Pump shafts
Propeller shaft
Turbine shaft
Our Approach
Your Partner in Forged Bar
Where will the shaft be installed?
Tell us which machine or construction the shaft or bar will be used in. We advise on quality, dimensions, and execution.
Determine Diameter and Length
Together, we determine the material, diameter, length, heat treatment, and certificate. Lengths up to 26 meters for single pieces are possible; we align production accordingly.
Quotation and Delivery Time
You will receive a quotation including delivery time. We deliver certain shafts within 6 working weeks. We discuss technical questions with you in advance.
Monitoring to Your Location
We monitor forging, testing, and planning until the bar with its certificate arrives at your location.
Material Grades
Forged Bar in Virtually Any Quality
Forged bar material is often chosen due to the specific desired diameters and lengths that can be achieved. Because we use open-die forging, no die is required, and we can offer single pieces. Additionally, each shaft is tested separately, guaranteeing 100% traceability and highly reliable quality. We can offer these shafts in almost all material qualities.
Frequently Asked Questions
All About Forged Bar
What are the maximum length and weight for forged bar?
The maximum length for forged bar is 26 meters, and the maximum weight is 200 tons per single piece. This means forged bar can be supplied in very large dimensions. Both the length and weight are suitable for applications where standard bar material is insufficient.
In which material qualities do you supply forged bar?
We can offer forged bar in virtually all material qualities. Depending on the application and technical requirements, alloy steels, stainless steel, and nickel alloys, among others, are possible. The material choice is tailored to the desired properties, standards, and any customer-specific specifications.
What is the difference between forged bar and rolled bar?
The difference between forged bar and rolled bar lies, among other things, in the way the material is produced. Open-die forging better guarantees the homogeneity of the material. Additionally, each bar is tested separately, and the material can be produced according to customer-specific requirements if necessary. This allows the bar material to be tailored for specific applications.
What is open-die forging and why is it chosen for bars and shafts?
Open-die forging is a forging technique where the workpiece is processed by a forging press without the metal being pressed into a closed die. The shape is created step by step by repeatedly turning, moving, and working the material under the press or hammer, hence the name "open-die," in contrast to closed-die forging, where the metal is pressed into a pre-formed negative die.
Why it is chosen for bars and shafts:
No expensive dies needed: For closed-die forging, a costly steel die must first be made. This is only cost-effective for large series. For shafts and bars (often small series, custom work, or very large dimensions), open-die forging is much more cost-effective.
Suitable for large dimensions: Shafts up to several meters in length and large diameters simply cannot be pressed into a die; the press capacity and die size would become unfeasible. Open-die forging can process very large workpieces with relatively compact tools.
Flexibility in dimensions: You can easily vary length, diameter, and stepped transitions (as with a stepped shaft) without creating new tooling for each variant.
Excellent material structure: Through repeated kneading and compaction during open-die forging, the steel's grain structure becomes finer and more evenly distributed, which significantly improves mechanical properties (toughness, fatigue strength). This is crucial for shafts that must withstand torsional and bending loads.
Suitable for small to medium-sized series and prototypes
Do you supply forged bar raw, pre-machined, or fully machined?
We primarily supply forged bar pre-machined so that we can at least perform ultrasonic testing. Additionally, we can also offer fully machined forgings, entirely according to the customer's drawing and requirements. This way, both pre-machined and fully machined versions of forged bar can be supplied, depending on the desired execution.
What diameters are possible for forged bar?
Diameters up to 5,000 mm are possible for forged bar. This allows for the supply of very large bars and shafts. This wide range of diameters makes it possible to apply forged bar for various industrial applications where large dimensions are required.
Do you apply heat treatment, and is it included as standard?
All shafts are heat-treated, at a minimum according to the standard associated with the material quality. Additionally, we can perform specific heat treatments according to customer-specific requirements. This heat treatment can be performed both horizontally and vertically. This way, the heat treatment and execution can be tailored to the applicable material quality and any additional customer requirements.
Is forged bar suitable for critical applications, such as in the energy or aerospace industry?
Yes, open-die forging is particularly suitable for critical applications within the energy, aerospace, turbine, marine, and (petro)chemical industries, among others. This is due to the specific material structure, dimensions, and requirements demanded by these applications. Forged bar can therefore be used for applications where specific demands are placed on the material and the product.
What is the usual delivery time for forged bar?
The delivery time for forged bar depends on the weight and dimensions of the shaft. For pre-machined versions, we can deliver certain shafts within 6 working weeks. For fully machined shafts, the delivery time is 8 to 10 working weeks. The exact delivery time therefore depends on the execution, weight, and dimensions of the specific shaft. Sometimes we can also deliver certain qualities/diameters very quickly from stock.
Do you supply single pieces or small series of forged bar?
Yes, open-die forging is specifically used for single pieces and small series because it does not require investment in an expensive die. Because we use open-die forging, we can offer forged bar as a single piece. This makes open-die forging suitable when specific dimensions or executions are needed and a large series is not applicable.
Request Your Non-Binding Quote
Specify the quality, diameter, length, and number of shafts you need. We will assess feasibility and get back to you quickly.
Always with certificate
Single pieces and small series
Customer-specific specifications
Certain shafts within 6 working weeks