Forward extrusion

Forward flow extrusion is an extrusion process in which the material flows essentially in the direction of the punch’s movement. In this process, material is forced through a shaping section of the tool and plastically formed into the desired geometry.

Forward flow extrusion is particularly suitable for producing cross-sectional reductions as well as stepped and elongated component sections. Typical formed elements include, for example, shanks and different diameters. The specific manufacturability depends on the component geometry, material and degree of forming.

The material is pressed into an area with a smaller cross-section by the movement of the punch. This displaces the material in the longitudinal direction and elongates the corresponding component section. Plastic deformation takes place without the material being removed by machining to create the geometry.

Forward flow forming enables high material utilisation and the cost-effective production of suitable component geometries in large quantities. In cold forming, work hardening and the largely preserved grain flow – or one that follows the geometry – can also contribute to favourable mechanical properties of the components.

Yes. Particularly in the case of complex cold-formed parts, several forming operations are often combined. Forward flow forming can, for example, be combined with reverse flow forming, transverse flow forming, upsetting or other forming operations within a multi-stage manufacturing process.