A: The transition from carbon to stainless steel can be a problem because the forging loads for the 300 series grades are 3-4 times greater than for carbon steels. This will cause die fracturing and underfilling if the dies are not re-designed for stainless. There a many details that need attention. I can give some basic guidelines but I suggest that you send me photos or drawings of the intended parts, along with images of the dies you intend to use. I can comment more specifically with that information.
For more than 40 years H. James Henning held key technical positions in the forging industry, including as director of technology for the Forging Industry Association, and as president of Henning Education Services, a Columbus, OH, firm specializing in customized education and training in forging technologies.
Guidelines and recommendations offered in this column are based on information believed to be reliable and are supplied in good faith but without guarantee. Operational conditions that exist in individual plants and facilities vary widely. Users of this information should adapt it, and always exercise independent discretion in establishing plant or facility operating practice.