Artistic forging: what it is, features, how it is done

The elegance and complexity of the patterns of forged metal products of the 17th-18th centuries are impressive. Artistic forging masters used to make railings for stairs, fences, tables and chairs, elements of fireplaces and accessories for them. Modern technology of such metal processing has remained virtually unchanged. Let's consider some features of art forging.

How do art forging

The main tools and devices that are used for artistic forging - anvil, hammer and sledgehammer. Iron is cut, using a chisel, holes are punched with special punches. The most suitable materials for artistic forging - low-carbon steel, copper, aluminum.

In artistic forging metal is deformed so that it takes the desired shape. There is necessarily a creative component in the product. Forged can be metal elements that can be used in practice or they have only aesthetic value. The technology of artistic forging is used in metallurgy and mechanical engineering.

Types of metal processing in art forging:

• The workpiece can be increased in length. It is placed on an anvil and processed with a percussion tool along the entire length on all sides.
• In order to make a metal bar or a thicker workpiece twisted, a spinner is used. One edge of the hot workpiece is fixed in a vise, and the other edge is placed in the funnel and turned.
• You can reduce the length of the workpiece by hitting the end of the heated part.
• Products are bent, chopped, and defects are eliminated by smoothing.

The most difficult is considered the production of artistic patterns. Each master has his own secrets and technologies. Thanks to them, three-dimensional and various details in the form of flowers, petals, curls and other elements are obtained.

Types of artistic forging

Types of artistic forging:

• Hot forging involves heating the metal. It becomes soft, plastic. Withstand a certain temperature so that the metal has these properties. This is high from 900 to 1000 ° C. If the metal is overheated, it becomes brittle and loses its attractiveness. When the billet is heated, the blacksmith gives the piece a certain shape by using a press and hammer. When the piece is ready, it is cooled in water.
• Cold forging is done without heating the metal. The material is given the desired shape using a press. Then it is fired at a high temperature. This method is more often used for precious metals, as this treatment is more gentle.
• Hand forging is most appreciated. The master works with a heated billet with the help of tools. He gives the product unique shapes. Thanks to this, each work is unique.

Application of artistic forging

Creative processing of metal is used in such spheres:

• Manufacturing of furniture. Forged make metal elements of chairs, benches, tables, sofas backs of beds. They can be in vintage, classic or modern style.
• Grates for fireplaces are needed not only for insulation, but also as decoration.
• Forged lighting fixtures look unique and unusual. They are made in accordance with other forged elements in the interior.
• Grilles for art forging windows, fences, railings make ordinary protective elements objects of art.

Artistic forging can be serial, as it happens in industrial production. Some masters work in their own workshops, creating unique products.