Hammers

Definition

Hammers are tools used in metal forming processes to apply force to a workpiece, typically to shape, deform, or join materials. They come in various forms and mechanisms, including manual hammers and powered hammers like drop hammers and forging hammers, which all play critical roles in shaping metals through impact force.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Hammers can be classified into two main categories: hand-operated hammers like claw and ball-peen hammers, and powered hammers like pneumatic and hydraulic types that provide greater force.
2. In metal forming, the energy applied by a hammer can result in significant changes to the microstructure of the material, improving strength and ductility.
3. Drop hammers operate by dropping a weight from a certain height onto a workpiece, allowing for controlled deformation of the material.
4. Forging hammers often require specific designs to optimize the efficiency and effectiveness of the metal forming process, taking into account factors like speed and impact force.
5. Safety precautions are essential when using hammers in metal forming due to the potential for injury from high-speed impacts and hot materials.

Review Questions

• How do different types of hammers impact the metal forming process in terms of efficiency and material properties?
  • Different types of hammers, such as manual versus powered options, significantly affect both the efficiency of the metal forming process and the resulting material properties. Powered hammers deliver greater force and speed, which can lead to more efficient shaping of metals compared to manual hammers. This increased impact can enhance material properties like strength and ductility by changing the microstructure during deformation.
• Discuss the role of dies in conjunction with hammers during metal forming processes.
  • Dies play a crucial role when used alongside hammers in metal forming processes by providing a predetermined shape that the material must conform to under impact. When a hammer strikes a workpiece placed within a die, it facilitates precise shaping while minimizing waste. The combination of dies and hammers allows for complex shapes to be formed accurately and consistently across multiple pieces.
• Evaluate how advancements in hammer technology have influenced modern metal forming practices and safety standards.
  • Advancements in hammer technology, such as the development of hydraulic and pneumatic systems, have greatly enhanced modern metal forming practices by increasing efficiency and precision. These technologies allow for better control over the impact force and timing, resulting in improved product quality. Additionally, innovations in safety standards have been integrated into the design of powered hammers to protect operators from accidents, making metal forming safer while maintaining high levels of productivity.

Related terms

Forging: A manufacturing process that involves shaping metal using localized compressive forces, often accomplished with the use of hammers.

Die: A specialized tool used in metal forming to shape material during processes such as forging and stamping, often working in conjunction with hammers.

Anvil: A heavy block of iron or steel on which hot metals are shaped by hammering, providing a solid surface for the deformation process.