Marine and offshore industries often require ABS certified parts. Learn how to minimize costs and production delays while ensuring that you obtain properly certified products. Manufacturing companies that work in the marine and offshore industries or supply products for marine applications often require the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) certification. Understanding key processes that require certification and collaborating with your suppliers can help you minimize costs and production delays while ensuring that you obtain properly certified products. Why Is ABS Certification Important? The American Bureau of Shipping was chartered in 1862 to certify ship captains. Since then, it has developed and set safety and quality standards for ships and offshore structures.    Globally, ABS Standards ensure that the materials, parts and components, and construction of vessels and marine equipment meet established safety standards. ABS works with the marine industry worldwide as they develop new technologies for constructing marine vessels and offshore structures, revising and updating its certifications to meet the changing industry needs. ABS Certification Rules & Guides The ABS-established Rules and Guides for certification provide standards for the design, construction and periodic survey of marine vessels and offshore structures to promote their safe design and assembly. Materials, parts and components used in the manufacture of naval ships and structures must meet the craft's set standards or requirements. The Rules specify requirements to meet the needs of a particular component. It’s typical for forgings to use Steel Vessel Rules Part 2 Chapter 3 part 7 (which was moved to Publication No. 1 Marine Vessel Rules MVR in 2020). Within this section, you will find ABS Grade 2 and other commonly used ABS grades for forgings.   If you are building offshore components, you may need to reference MODU (Mobile Offshore Drilling Unit) rules, which switched to MOU in 2020. This is located in Publication No. 3 of the Rules.   The end use of the component determines the Rules required and any requirements for survey during manufacturing: Individual components used in the construction of the vessel or structure may need certification based on the Rules Some of those components must be surveyed as they are being constructed or fabricated to verify that the process meets ABS standards. How to Determine ABS Requirements to Minimize Risk and Cost   ABS certification costs time and money. Surveyors visit on-site to verify your processes meet the standards during manufacturing, construction or fabrication. This can be expensive. By understanding the Rule requirements for your product, you can identify the supply-chain stages where inspection and certification should occur. In doing so, you'll save your company time and money and minimize your products' risk not being certified.  Through following a few guidelines, you can better prepare to meet certification standards unique to your component or part while saving time and money. What is the intent of the certification? Suppose your component is intended for a classed vessel . In that case, ABS Rules must apply to receive this type of certification (possibly working only to ABS Rules, or in conjunction with an industry-standard such as ASTM, or customer proprietary specifications that have been reviewed and approved as an appropriate design for the application). If the certificate is for verification purposes only , it is very important for your supply chain to understand this. ABS Rules do not apply in this case, and it must be discussed to what end ABS must be involved. For example, what operations are to be inspected? In this case, the ABS Rules do not apply to govern what requires survey, and therefore the designer must flow down this information. Identify the application that will use your component Are you manufacturing a component for a jacking system (or the complete system), for torque-transmitting parts or for a structural element, for example? The application helps determine the appropriate section of the Rules or Type Approval Tier for your piece. Know the end-use of the part The end use of the part determines which ABS Rules are required. If your piece is a reduction gear, the testing requirements will be different from those of standard gear. Obtain an ABS-approved drawing or Design Approval Document These drawings or documents show that ABS has approved the design and provide an approval number for reference. This also helps determine what year of the Rules the vessel was designed to, so we know which edition is required for appropriate compliance. These drawings also include critical flow-down requirements that are very important to your forge, heat treat and testing vendors. Partner with your suppliers The most critical way to ensure your component gets accurately certified is to flow down your ABS requirements to your suppliers and your entire supply chain. Throughout the supply chain, providing precise requirements ensures that your component is manufactured under the Rules without delays or added costs. Often, by the time companies submit the purchase order to raw material vendors, the ABS Rule requirements are missing. This problem can easily be avoided if the requirements flow down the supply chain during quoting. An ideal request for quote and purchase order packet includes all the drawing and specification requirements and ABS Rules that apply. Your supplier can work with you to see that the Rule requirements are enforced during the manufacturing process, eliminating time-consuming errors and reducing inspection costs. Use an approved ABS Supplier Using ABS-certified suppliers can further minimize the cost and lead-time of inspections. For example, if you need a forging where final heat treatment, testing and inspection will occur at another level within the supply chain, and the forging facility is an ABS-approved supplier, ABS certification may not require a forge-level inspection. This is why working with experienced, approved suppliers will save time and money; they can help you determine when an inspector must present during operations and help you meet all requirements. The Scot Forge Advantage At Scot Forge, we are uniquely qualified to provide you with ABS-certified products and materials. We are one of the few U.S. companies that have been audited by the American Bureau of Shipping and approved as a worldwide ABS forging supplier for ABS and Non-ABS grades up to 80,000 lbs. at Scot Forge and 270,000 lbs. at our joint venture, NAF.  Our technically trained sales staff has extensive experience quoting ABS-certified products. We partner with you to see that your part meets all the requirements to gain certification while minimizing time and costs.    Scot Forge custom manufacturers open die forgings and seamless rolled rings with the capability to forge parts up to 100,000 lbs. and roll rings up to 252" in diameter. From gearbox repair to broken rudder stock, we can assist you with your marine part, get you out of the dry dock and back in commission!   Contact us to speak with an expert at Scot Forge to learn more.

A 2019 report published by the Center for Strategic and International Studies predicts the world needs an estimated $94 trillion in infrastructure by 2040. Reconstructing the world's foundation will unveil opportunities for US contractors, energy producers and suppliers, tech developers and service providers and investors, leading to the growth of the US economy, jobs and a return on investment. The movement for major global infrastructure has never been more essential to our nation's future and leadership as it is today. Within the next 15 years, countries around the world will invest in hard infrastructure. These infrastructure projects, emphasizing transport, energy, information, communications technology (ICT) and water sectors, have been long-recognized as the backbone of modern economies.  A 2019 report published by the Center for Strategic and International Studies predicts the world needs an estimated $94 trillion in infrastructure by 2040 . Reconstructing the world's foundation will unveil opportunities for US contractors, energy producers and suppliers, tech developers and service providers and investors, leading to the growth of the US economy, jobs and a return on investment. Additionally, maintaining the stability of ports, bridges, pipelines, fiber-optic cables and other essential infrastructure is imperative to US security and our nation's military presence.  Infrastructure and clean energy stocks have been on the rise since the presidential election, according to CNBC.com . Infrastructure has been at the top of Joe Biden's plan since the beginning. He's had a $2 trillion plan that's going to invest in roads, highways, airports, ports as well as digital infrastructure and cleantech," says Jay Jacobs, senior vice president and head of research and strategy at Global X ETFs. Considering these stakes - among several others - the US is now making global infrastructure projects a significantly higher priority. An Opportunity to Set Global Standards In addition to short-term economic boosts, the US investment in infrastructure implies a list of broader, longer-term interests to promote sustainable and inclusive development of global standards, ensure high-quality infrastructure, and mitigate impacts on stability ensuring optimal performance of the global systems. Forgings, which appear in roughly 20 percent of products representing the US GDP, are essential to the US industrial economy society and its national security.  Metal forging technology has evolved over the past couple of decades due to industry demands seeking a greater return on investment, increased capital productivity, and customer expectations for increasingly higher quality and part performance levels.  Today, forging is the most trusted, preferred process for manufacturing components due to its output of superior quality, integrity and performance required for critical and demanding applications.  Over the past 20 years, forging industry leaders have created cost-efficiencies through materials development and usage, process application, energy management and efficacy, environmental sustainability and effective human resource performance.  Forging delivers advantages that few processes can replicate. Designers and users of forged components understand the edge forging provides: Forgings are manufactured from readily available bar ingots and/or billets. Nearly all metals and alloys can be forged. Virtually no restrictions exist on part size. Forged parts possess high tolerance attributes. Products are fully recyclable. Forged components have higher strength and reliability. Forgings offer low life cycle costs. Modern forging facilities today, such as Scot Forge, feature automated, fully-integrated processing equipment that controls processing variations and produces high-quality, superior consistency and dimensional control products.  US forging companies have the opportunity to set forth international standards in which components for heavy equipment, bridges and pipelines are built with the highest integrity, safety standards and longest life span.  What Types of Forged Parts are Used in Infrastructure? Forgings are the perfect choice for many infrastructure applications, delivering the high-structural strength required in movable bridges, locks and dams, and other large civil engineering structures. Below lists the types of forgings used in infrastructure construction: Shafts : Pinions, trunnions, floating shafts, crankshafts, tower sheave shafts, rope shafts, Gudgeon pin, strut pin, link pin, diagonal fin Flats : Curved or flat racks, tracks and treads, lock bars (we can transition between round and rectangular cross-sections), receiving sockets, receiving shoes, guide housings Rings : Ring gear, hex sleeves and hex jam nuts, gudgeon collars Hubs : Sheave hub, trunnion hub, winch hub, pintles Torch Cut : Clevis, gudgeon links, anchor rods  Scot Forge: Prepared to Meet the Challenge As plans emerge and investments in global infrastructure take form worldwide, Scot Forge is positioned to lead the way.  We Bring Optimized Specifications and Manufacturing Practices At Scot Forge, it's our mission to ensure you succeed in your most critical initiatives. We produce components through innovative processes that offer forged solutions for everything from the world's physical infrastructure, energy and transportation to manufacturing, mining and national defense.  Our unique manufacturing processes have taken the place of outdated alternate metalworking methods. Using our vast inventory of loose tooling, we can develop near-net shaped solutions to meet your drawing requirements. Our extensive forging capabilities enable us to reduce forged section sizes and improve mechanical properties. Our Forging Experts Are Problem Solvers Engineers, professors and researchers come to Scot Forge for our core competencies in metal chemistry, behavior and shaping. We have helped solve challenges in historic designs with groups such as the Army Corps of Engineers by converting casting into forgings, forging components with eccentric geometries, and aiding in the design of unique shapes.  Our technical experts embrace the challenge of creative solutions and have experience working with specialty grades for applications from particle physics to prototyping for applied research. We have an on-site staff of metallurgists, four of which have Ph. Ds, and our team of forging engineers are ready to help you understand the implications and capabilities of your material and heat treat choices. Uniquely equipped to produce low-volume, non-repeating forgings, Scot Forge can help provide everything from simple bar stock to 300,000 lbs. tubes. We have also developed a unique semi-closed die forging technique that allows for the flexibility of open die forging with the closed die's near-net shape. This is that method that allows us to convert pieces originally designed as castings or fabrications to forgings that were once not possible or cost-effective. State-of-the-Art Computer Modeling & Simulation Simulation capabilities enable precise tool design and optimal forge process plans. As a result, material and machining requirements are reduced, minimizing costs and turnaround times. Our accurate simulations model a wide range of metalworking and material characteristics, including: Complex shapes Upsetting Forward extrusion Back extrusion Gear forming Stress analysis Heat treat modeling Grain flow characteristics Custom Alloy Development and Thermal Treatments  Scot Forge engineers and metallurgical experts can help your team study and evaluate alloy compositions. Our team can create a material capable of meeting the strict criteria for forged components, resulting in the development of alloys that offer better properties with potential material cost savings. Extensive Materials Inventory  Our extensive material inventory, production capabilities and experienced technical support combine to meet your most demanding requirements. Our technically trained account managers possess experience working to ASTM A668, ASTM A182, ASTM A291 and other various AREMA, AASHTO and DOT requirements. We are capable of meeting short lead times and offering breakdown services, too.

The frustration felt by manufacturers and consumers hasn't stopped chip industry stocks from skyrocketing to all-time highs. "The PHLX Semiconductor Index (SOX), which tracks dozens of the largest chip-related stocks, has gained more than 70 percent in the past 12 months," according to MarketWatch. Currently, there's a global shortage of semiconductors, which are predicted to be in short supply through 2021 and beyond. The industry struggles to meet demand due to various factors: The digital push since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic Demand for electronics U.S. China trade war The incredibly high demand for chips has impacted automakers and consumers around the world. Automakers, General Motors and Ford, claim they've had to cease production of specific vehicle models because of semiconductors' absence. According to a recent MarketWatch article[1], Maribel Lopez, a principal analyst at Lopez Research, explains that the industry faces a "perfect storm" of demand and supply issues that are unlikely to resolve anytime soon. People expected high demand for mobile-device chips; however, the pandemic caused another level of instability to supply chains and the manufacturing processes to produce semiconductors. The frustration felt by manufacturers and consumers hasn't stopped chip industry stocks from skyrocketing to all-time highs. "The PHLX Semiconductor Index (SOX), which tracks dozens of the largest chip-related stocks, has gained more than 70 percent in the past 12 months," according to MarketWatch. Unfortunately, some experts believe there's no rainbow in sight. Stifel analyst Matthew Sheerin, who follows tech supply-chain issues, believes, "We don't see any major correction on the horizon, given ongoing supply constraints as well as continued optimism about improving demand in 2021." Stifel goes on to say, "We remain more concerned with continued supply disruptions, and increased materials costs than we do an imminent multi-quarter inventory correction." Working to Tighten the Gap Many chip-equipment suppliers seem optimistic that manufacturers will increase capacity allowing for improved designs that won't be well-served by current fabrication facilities. For example, Applied Materials, Inc. expects to supply a decade-plus investment cycle for chipmakers. Additionally, strong earnings and outlooks from chip-making equipment companies KLA Corp. KLAC, 1.29% and Lam Research Corp. LRCX, 3.67% noted that chip makers needed to build out their manufacturing capacities even further. To that point, Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. TSM, 1.68%, the third-party manufacturing giant that fabricates silicon for many chip makers like Apple Inc. AAPL, 2.31% and others said it plans to spend $28 billion to build out its facilities in 2021. Improved Semiconductor Manufacturing Processes Can Help Scot Forge recently began forging components for semiconductor manufacturing equipment. Working with one of our customers, we were able to deliver significant material reductions and improved supply chain lead time. "When we work with a new customer, we analyze their processes and look for ways to save material costs and increase efficiency. Working with one of our semiconductor manufacturing customers, we eliminated labor and overhead cost associated with removing 70 percent of input material, which dramatically reduced overall material spend. We believe that if more manufacturers were to improve components structure through near-net forgings and dramatically reduce materials and lead times, more manufacturers could become more efficient and improve the supply-shortage situation." - Matt Davis, Defense , Aerospace & Semiconductor Sales Engineer Forging Components Benefits  Semiconductor Manufacturing Equipment  Using forged components for semiconductor manufacturing equipment can eliminate capital expenditures for milling equipment and decreased process time. Historically, semiconductor manufacturing equipment components are produced by machining a block of material to achieve the desired shape. However, using the advanced forging process can save time and money. Forged Components Are Stronger Forgings have an inherently superior molecular structure compared to cast or fabricated parts due to the grain flow and material reduction achieve through the forging process. Scot Forge takes these benefits one step further with near-net shaped forgings, which provide a shaped part that reduces machining time and material cost. You no longer have to machine out a hexagon or an octagon from a block for a transfer, vacuum or pressure chamber. Our forgings can get you closer to your complex shape while maintaining quality and delivering reliability. The bottom line: If semiconductor manufacturers can prolong their machine components' lives, improve processes, and increase efficiency, the global semiconductor market may see correction sooner than later. [1] Witkowski, Wallace. 2021. “Worldwide Chip Shortage Expected to Last into next Year, and That’s Good News for Semiconductor Stocks.” MarketWatch. February 22, 2021. https://www.marketwatch.com/story/worldwide-chip-shortage-expected-to-last-into-next-year-and-thats-good-news-for-semiconductor-stocks-11614020156 .

Even if you are experienced in defense and military projects, finding and partnering with a supplier who has extensive experience with mil-specs and DOD stipulations is critical for meeting essential deadlines and requirements. For many companies, finding new revenue streams is essential for 2021, so looking to markets never worked in before, such as government contracts or manufacturing for our military, may be on the horizon. For other companies, keeping up with the U.S. Military and National Defense's innovative demands could be at the forefront of the initiatives. Either way, finding and partnering with a supplier who has extensive experience with mil-specs and DOD stipulations is critical for meeting essential deadlines and requirements.   Proven Track Record with the Defense Industry Scot Forge employee-owners are trusted partners for the U.S. Military and National Defense because of our ability to solve our military's toughest design and manufacturing challenges . We achieve intricate, near-net shapes and mechanical properties while engineering new ways to forge atypical geometries, which may have previously been considered impossible. As a small business, we take it upon ourselves to offer reliable quality and repeatability to consistently demonstrate our commitment to surpassing our defense and military customers' demanding needs. In addition to these needs, we demonstrate our commitment to the United States through domestic sourcing and manufacturing.  We Create Custom Components for Military & Defense Contracts As an experienced supplier, our Scot Forge Defense Team can be critical in filling in the knowledge gaps. When you work with a team specialized in defense services, you can expect a dedicated account manager supported by our forge development team and metallurgists' knowledge and experience . We work with you to provide high-strength metal components for defense applications while meeting the most stringent requirements.We forge components for the following and more for military and defense: Submarines Tanks Aircraft Carriers Destroyers Ordnance Ships Missiles Military Vehicles The Scot Forge Quality Assurance Program provides complex review and Level I certification for all forged defense and military components . Our QA program gives us the ability to confidently create and deliver unconventional near-net-shape forgings for several of the United States' most critical defense programs and applications. A Company Culture Focused on Quality & Safety Our Employees are Invested We not only invest the time in understanding a project and its requirements; we also have reinvested more than $250 million of our own money back into our company over the past four years to acquire and build the assets to support the next generation of owners, which prepares us to support the future demands of our country. Even in uncertainty, we continue to grow and remain steadfast for our military and defense customers' needs.  We Strive for Continuous Improvement At Scot Forge, continuous improvement is in all aspects of the business, not just production. We believe this core value, along with our quality culture, stems from every employee having ownership in Scot Forge. We're a 100% Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) company . This unique culture fosters an environment where new and creative ideas to improve are encouraged, benefiting both the customer and the company. Every employee-owner takes pride in the company's performance and shares in its successes. We realize the importance of our work and strive to move to a new level of performance to ensure our soldiers’ and the nation’s safety. Committed to Meet Budgetary and Timeline Deliverables Technically Trained Defense Services Team Our dedicated team of front-line technical experts for defense services, backed by our metallurgists and forging experts, work directly with you to uncover ways to reduce long-term costs and improve lead times. We have a proven track record of solving the military’s toughest metal challenges. Our industry specialists can help you meet your design challenges, including redesigning cast or fabricated parts and program objectives with clear communications on everything from order status to valid certification and milestone achievements. Committed On-time Delivery and Breakdown Services At Scot Forge, we understand the importance of on-time delivery and maintaining your build schedule. In critical circumstances, reduced lead times can be offered for breakdown and emergency orders in need of immediate production response. Extensive Ferrous & Non-Ferrous Materials Inventory We maintain an extensive inventory of ferrous and non-ferrous materials. From vacuum degassed air melt to ESR or VAR cleanliness levels, forgings are supplied using the highest-quality material. Defense application-specific grades include HY-80, HY-100, N04400, N05500, N06625, 6-4 Titanium, CP Grade 2 Titanium, C63200, C71500 and custom-melt alloys that meet OEM specifications. Fanatical About Safety Scot Forge's employee-owners deliver quality products, on-time, without compromising safety or adversely affecting the environment. By combining teamwork with continuous improvement, our culture focuses on sending each employee home safe every day. Year after year, OSHA and the Forging Industry Association recognize Scot Forge for our outstanding safety performance. Every day, we purposefully strive to be safer and better than we have ever been. In 2019, Scot Forge was recognized by EHS Today Magazine as one of America's Safest Companies . Our company initially won the award in 2014, becoming the very first forging facility in the United States to receive this safety recognition.   Contact us today to learn more about partnering with a forge industry expert like the Scot Forge Defense Team.   Relevant Resources ●    Dr. Peter Navarro and Navy Secretary Richard Spencer Visit North American Forgemasters ●     Scot Forge Markets: Defense ●     Scot Forge Markets: Aerospace

The additive manufacturing process is just the inverse of subtractive manufacturing, where the material is removed from a single piece of material using milling, cutting or turning; it is the method of adding or joining materials together using heat, pressure or magnetism/electricity. One clear thought probably comes to mind – 3D printing. From aerospace applications to medical devices in materials ranging from plastic to metals, 3D printing is swooping into manufacturing as an option for making highly complex parts that need to be strong and lightweight. The additive manufacturing process is just the inverse of subtractive manufacturing, where the material is removed from a single piece of material using milling, cutting or turning; it is the method of adding or joining materials together using heat, pressure or magnetism/electricity. From that perspective, there are many different approaches to additive manufacturing, including metal extrusion, ultrasonic additive manufacturing, sintering or diffusion bonding.  Metal Extrusion Metal extrusion in additive manufacturing, like 3D printing, is a method where a spool of material is pushed through a heated nozzle and placed by a "printer" to layer material and create a workpiece. This process may take a few attempts to find the best parameters, design and orientation for building a component, but once found, the process is reliable for creating small intricate pieces for noncritical applications.  Ultrasonic Additive Manufacturing Ultrasonic additive manufacturing is another method of layering material, using a process of stacking metal strips and combining them using an ultrasonic weld, so to speak, to create complex geometries with internal passageways, including parts with embedded components and even parts made from dissimilar metals. Unlike metal extrusion, the solid-state weld produced by the ultrasonic process provides a reliable way to join different metals without creating brittle metallurgy, as the bonding temperature is below their melting temperature.  Sintering Sintering is a little different; while it still uses heat and pressure, this process begins with powdered metal, which is heated to fuse into one solid mass, just under the material's melting point. When using a laser, this process is known as Selective Laser Sintering, which creates intricate parts through micro-welding powdered metal layer by layer.  While ultrasonic additive, metal extrusion and sintering have significant capability in part complexity, they are severely limited by size as parts cannot be larger than the machine's build platform, and these processes face scalability issues. Materials for metal extrusion manufacturing and sintering can be limiting for manufacturers since only a small variety of metals can be used in these applications. In addition, there is a considerable cost of entry for the machine and material design and engineering and setting parameters. In extreme cases, it can take years of research and effort to develop the process parameters for specified materials in specific machines. And at the current moment, there is a lack of skilled labor and industry standards for these methods. Finally, since additive manufacturing creates many interfaces through the layering method, the part's integrity becomes a concern.  Diffusion Bonding On the other hand, diffusion bonding is different in that it can be accomplished with the age-old process of forging. Solid-state diffusion bonding is the process of adding dissimilar/similar material to a started workpiece with elevated temperature (about 50%-90% of the absolute melting point of the parent material) using applied pressure. Without melting, there is no liquation or fusion zone, which can have unpredictable structures, grain size, porosity and liquation cracking. Additionally, other types of metals that cannot be combined through traditional welding practices can be combined through diffusion.  This bonding procedure is suited for bulk items with significant size and weight and the ability to be scalable. Like ultrasonic additive, combining two or more metals has advantages for strength, ductility, corrosion, designed fail-safes, cost savings, reduced in-service inspections and more. Diffusion bonding can also provide additional benefits such as corrosion resistance or added strength while eliminating costly welding or cladding operations. Additionally, the bonded interface can be tested through conventional mechanical methods such as tensile, charpy and microstructure. At the same time, traditional non-destructive examinations , such as ultrasonic testing or liquid penetrant testing, can be completed to provide insight into the bonded surface and the base material.  This is an exciting time for manufacturing and R&D, with all of the innovations coming to fruition. But, before selecting an additive manufacturing method, or any manufacturing method, it's important to think about what you need from your project. For example, are you looking for a more budget-friendly option , do you have detailed design requirements, need to use more robust build materials or require testing? Send in your design to a Scot Forge employee-owner and explore your options.

Finding the right forging method for your metals requires knowing your options. Here is the complete guide on open die forging vs. closed die forging. As of 2022, the global metal market is worth  around $3,949 billion.  This makes sense considering the number of applications metal has in our daily lives. Metal is a staple of our existence, from movable bridges to aluminum space equipment to consumer electronics. Open die vs. closed die forging are two metal forming options for those who want to have custom metal parts manufactured. Here, we will discuss these two metal forming processes and how they impact grain flow and utility. Read on to learn which approach best meets your needs. What Is Open Die Forging? Open die forging is a metal forming process that uses multiple dies. None of these dies completely enclose the material as the component is being shaped. Instead, the dies hammer the metal over and over until the forger creates the desired end shape. Before the process begins, the metal is heated in a furnace. This makes it malleable so that dies can alter its shape. Hammering and pressing the metal lets you achieve any shape. Assuming that the expert making the material understands metalworking, they will know exactly how to change the billet's dimensions without needing to fully enclose the metal. Open dies are simpler than closed dies because they do not require a specific shape to contain and shape the metal. Open Die Grain Flow, Benefits and Downsides The grain flow structure is one of the most significant open die forging benefits. As the metal is worked into the desired shape, grain flow is strengthened as it follows the contour of the piece. The grain flow movement is possible because force is applied to the metal during various forging operations, including upsetting, drawing out and/or rolling. These methods of forging create a final product that is not porous. In fact, the final product will be stronger and more durable due to its even grain flow and improved microstructure. Some other open die forging benefits include: Continuous grain flow and finer grain size Consolidation of voids in the material Greater fatigue resistance for long-term use Eliminates shrinkage and similar defects Less material waste (eco-friendly) Better production scheduling as different parts can run through the shop at the same time   There are also a few disadvantages: Usually requires some machining to create the correct dimensions The inability to create shapes with intricate inner passages Rough surface finish (unless refined later)   Open die forging is the most conventional metal forging process available. As a result, despite its shortcomings, it is ideal for R&D, prototypes, oversized components or small-run applications. How Is Closed Die Forging Different? Closed die forging is a slightly different process than open die alternatives. It is not a free forging process. Instead, it is often called "impression die forging" because it uses a die impression to give the metal its shape. Like open die forging, the metal for closed die is heated in a medium frequency induction  heating furnace . However, it is then placed in an enclosed die molded in the desired shape of the final product. Then, the metal is compressed and formed into the end product through high pressure or multiple hammer impacts. Molding dies are made with precision machines before a metal preform is placed between the top and bottom dies. Depending on the component type, machining might not be needed after the end product is removed from the die. This is because the closed die process creates intricate components depending on the detail of the dies. Closed Die Advantages and Disadvantages Like open die forging, internal grain flow is formed since material reduction is involved in creating the product. There are some things closed die forging excels at: A cost-efficiencies are realized with this method for large production runs Little machining is required in most cases (for close tolerances) The ability to create tighter tolerances   Still, other areas are lacking compared to open die forging. These downsides include: High costs are associated with the manufacturing of the dies making this process too expensive for short production runs (since the die production costs are high) The time to produce the dies can push out your deadline Constrained capacity in closed die shops (Once a run is booked, they are locked into that one part until production is complete)   Ultimately, certain applications require closed die forging methods. However, it is less conventional than open die methods. Which Metal Forging Process Should You Choose? Open die forging is generally used for products manufactured in small quantities, require large sizes, and are critical for the end user or R&D. Generally, open die forging shapes are easy and used for more straightforward shaped products (rather than complex ones). Some examples of products made from open die forging include: Small discs Forged and rolled rings Forged cylinders Domes Rollers Forged shafts Metal sleeves   These products are often used in shipbuilding, mining, defense and energy industries. However, they are also used in the machines that manufacture semiconductors, food/beverage equipment, industrial machinery, paper and more. Furthermore, with a skilled Forge Development team, like the one at Scot Forge, many complex shapes can be manufactured through the open die forging methods. On the flip side, the closed-die forging process is generally reserved for creating smaller and more complex products and large production runs. Some items made by closed die forging techniques include: Forged fittings Lifting hardware Rigging hardware Small/precise car parts Valves   Because of the precision level, closed die forging is essential in industries like commercial aircraft and automotive markets. In general, forgings keep users safe from part malfunction due to the contoured grain flow resulting in higher strength components. Get Started With Metal Forming Today While finding the perfect metal piece for your applications can be challenging, it doesn't need to be. Custom forging services can give you tailored parts that meet your precise specifications. Scot Forge is committed to creating components you can rely on from quality to delivery.  Request a quote  to learn if forgings fit your project's needs and the best method of manufacture available to you.

With the growing momentum behind offshore wind vessels, how can shipyards and machine shops ready themselves for the assumed influx of demand? Earlier this summer, the U.S. Department of Transportation’s (DOT’s) Maritime Administration (MARAD) announced the designation of offshore wind vessels as Vessels of National Interest. This designation is meant to spur more offshore wind construction and bring additional focus to project applications for review and funding through the Title XI Federal Ship Financing Program (Title XI). The Title XI program assists the domestic shipbuilding industry by providing financial support for U.S. shipyards to modernize facilities, build and retrofit vessels and help U.S. shipowners purchase new domestically-produced vessels. “We’re excited that some American shipyards have already secured contracts to build vessels to service offshore wind developments,” said Maritime Administrator Ann Phillips. “By growing [the shipbuilding industry], we further support essential offshore wind installations and continue to add jobs and strengthen our important domestic industrial base, including our shipyards and shipbuilding industry.” This assistance program and the Vessels of National Interest designation, recently made available for offshore wind vessels, are significant milestones to help the U.S. reach 30 gigawatts (G.W.) of offshore wind by 2030, the initiative set in motion by the President. Currently, more than 58 different types of vessels are needed to make offshore wind arrays possible. Dominion Energy, a major player in offshore wind, is the first to invest in a U.S.-flagged offshore Wind Tower Installation Vessel (WTIV) in Brownsville, Texas, that will be operational by late 2023. Not far behind are Orsted and Eversource, energy companies that have contracted with Edison Chouest in Louisiana to build the first U.S.-flagged Service Operations Vessel (SOV). In addition, Great Lakes Dredge & Dock is developing the first U.S.-flagged offshore wind Fallpipe Vessel for subsea rock installation as early as the first quarter of 2024. These three vessels are essential for the industry to meet current deployment goals, with additional vessels needed for different stages of offshore wind tower implementation. The vessels needed for the early stages of development help with surveying to place buoys, map the seabed, take seafloor samples, prep the seabed and ensure project safety. These include: Geotechnical Survey, Jack-Up Vessel Geophysical Survey Vessel Scout Vessels Dredge Vessels Next, for wind tower installation, the vessels needed to prep the foundation, transfer turbine components and personnel, lay cabling and provide noise mitigation are: Crew Transfer Vessels (CTV) Wind Tower Installation Vessels (WTIV) Service Operation Vessels (SOV) Jack-Up Barges/ Vessels U-Feeder Vessels/ Feeder Barges Noise Mitigation Vessels With all this growing momentum behind offshore wind vessels, how can shipyards and machine shops ready themselves for the assumed influx of demand? Most shipbuilders feel the biggest challenge in supplying vessels for offshore wind is not capacity but engineering and procurement. Design engineers often fail to provide a completed design upfront, augmenting ship design after, just before or during the building, drastically impacting delivery lead times. Furthermore, procurement of parts, especially now, as resources continue to be constrained due to overseas tensions, seems to pose a threat. This is why asking the right questions upfront and establishing strong U.S. manufacturing partnerships are critical. While Scot Forge can’t speak to the processes of design engineers, we can say we know the importance of a fully integrated American supply chain. From steel production, forging and ABS inspection to heat treatment, NDT and semi-machined parts ready for fabrication, we only use U.S.-sourced labor and material. That said, shipyards and shipbuilders often don’t specify a vendor for forgings or castings. They leave that selection to the machine shops they partner with to produce the ready-to-install component. So, whether you are a shipyard project manager or need to procure near-net-shaped metal parts, the U.S. has a supply chain ready to support your needs. Scot Forge has the experience, material and ABS relationships required to provide the parts that will set your vessels sailing. From a single ABS Grade 2 bar to pinions that support a jack-up rig, our owners have decades of experience delivering the quality required to build a vessel.

Strengthening the manufacturing sector and revitalizing domestic production capabilities through quality employment opportunities that can be obtained with a high school diploma. Since the pandemic, a renewed focus has been on strengthening the manufacturing sector and revitalizing domestic production capabilities. The manufacturing industry provides quality job opportunities that can be obtained with a high school diploma. This article sheds light on the significance of manufacturing jobs, specifically focusing on forging, machine repair, maintenance technicians, heat treat operators and non-destructive testing (NDT) inspectors. Scot Forge offers many of these opportunities, so we will explore the importance of these occupations, their impact on the economy and the skills and qualifications required to excel in these fields. Forging: Crafting the Backbone of Manufacturing Forging is a fundamental process in the manufacturing industry, providing various components with the necessary strength and durability. Skilled forging specialists create intricate shapes and designs using heat and pressure, transforming raw materials into critical components for many industries, including aerospace , defense , infrastructure and energy industries. The forging sector requires skilled workers who can operate heavy machinery, interpret technical drawings and adhere to stringent quality control standards. Machine Repair and Maintenance Technicians: The Guardians of Production Machine repair and maintenance technicians are essential in keeping manufacturing operations running smoothly. These professionals possess various technical skills and expertise, ensuring that machinery and equipment function optimally. They diagnose and troubleshoot mechanical issues, perform routine maintenance and conduct repairs when necessary. The demand for skilled machine repair and maintenance technicians continues to rise as manufacturing processes become more advanced and automated. Heat Treat Operators: Enhancing Properties of Parts Heat treat operators play a vital role in the manufacturing industry by applying controlled heat treatments to enhance the strength, durability and other desired properties of materials used in various products. By carefully manipulating the heating and cooling cycles, heat treat operators can influence material hardness, tensile strength, ductility and other mechanical properties. This level of control is crucial in industries such as aerospace, construction, oil and gas, national defense and energy, where the reliability and safety of the end products are paramount. NDT Inspectors: Safeguarding Quality and Safety Non-destructive testing (NDT) inspectors are responsible for assessing manufactured products' integrity, reliability and safety. By employing various testing methods—such as ultrasonic, radiographic, magnetic particle and liquid penetrant inspections—NDT inspectors identify potential defects or flaws without damaging the product. Their meticulous inspections ensure that components and materials meet industry standards and specifications, crucial in maintaining quality and safety across multiple sectors, including power generation , manufacturing, semiconductor and aerospace. US manufacturing jobs are important for the country's economic well-being. They contribute to industrial growth, innovation and the creation of high-quality products. The value of these occupations has become even more evident as the United States seeks to strengthen its manufacturing base and ensure self-reliance in critical industries. To succeed in these fields, individuals need a combination of technical skills, problem-solving abilities and a commitment to maintaining high standards. As the manufacturing landscape continues to evolve with technological advancements, these occupations will remain in demand, offering promising career paths and opportunities for individuals to contribute to the nation's manufacturing prowess. By investing in education, training and professional development, the United States can further support its manufacturing workforce and maintain its position as a global manufacturing leader. Scot Forge offers these career paths plus many more, with the added bonus of a built-in retirement plan known as an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP). Read more about our ESOP here and learn about current position openings here !

ABS Grade 2 steel bars play a key role in the maritime and offshore industries, and as technology continues to advance, the demand for materials that can withstand the rigors of the sea will only increase, making ABS Grade 2 steel a valuable asset in the world of marine engineering. In the world of marine engineering and offshore structures, the choice of materials plays a crucial role in ensuring the safety and durability of vessels. One such material that stands out is ABS Grade 2 steel, particularly in the form of bars. Let's look into the characteristics and applications of ABS Grade 2 steel bars. Understanding ABS Grade 2: ABS (American Bureau of Shipping) Grade 2 steel is a high-strength, low-alloy structural steel designed specifically for marine applications. It is known for its excellent weldability and toughness, making it an ideal choice for various components in shipbuilding and offshore platforms. Key Features of ABS Grade 2 Steel: High Tensile Strength : ABS Grade 2 steel bars are characterized by their high tensile strength, providing the necessary structural integrity required in the demanding conditions of the open sea. Impact Resistance: The steel exhibits excellent impact resistance, a vital property for structures exposed to harsh maritime environments where waves, currents and collisions are potential challenges. Corrosion Resistance: ABS Grade 2 steel offers good mechanical properties for a variety of applications, but its corrosion resistance is limited. For applications requiring higher corrosion resistance, it is advisable to consider covering or plating with stainless steel or other alloy steel designed specifically for such environments. Weldability: Welding is a common process in shipbuilding, and ABS Grade 2 steel excels in this regard. Its weldability ensures easy fabrication, allowing for the construction of intricate structures with minimal difficulty. Applications of ABS Grade 2 Steel Bars: Shipbuilding : ABS Grade 2 steel bars find extensive use in the construction of various ship components, including hulls, frames and structural members. The high strength of the steel contributes to the overall robustness of the vessel. Offshore Platforms : Offshore structures, such as oil platforms, demand materials that can withstand the challenging conditions of the open sea. ABS Grade 2 steel is preferred for these platforms due to its strength and corrosion resistance. Marine Equipment: From support structures to critical components like propeller shafts, ABS Grade 2 steel bars are employed in various marine equipment, ensuring reliability and longevity. ABS Grade 2 steel bars play a key role in the maritime and offshore industries, and as technology continues to advance, the demand for materials that can withstand the rigors of the sea will only increase, making ABS Grade 2 steel a valuable asset in the world of marine engineering. Procuring ABS Grade 2 Steel Bars: Now that we've explored the qualities and applications of ABS Grade 2 steel bars, the next crucial step is sourcing this high-strength material for your maritime projects. Fortunately, there are several reputable avenues where you can procure ABS Grade 2 steel bars: Specialized Steel Suppliers: Some steel suppliers, like Scot Forge, specialize in providing materials for the marine and offshore industries. These suppliers often stock a range of ABS-certified steels, including Grade 2 bars. Ensure that the supplier is recognized for quality and compliance with industry standards. Authorized Distributors : ABS Grade 2 steel is subject to strict quality control and certification processes by the American Bureau of Shipping. Purchasing from authorized distributors, like Scot Forge, ensures you receive genuine ABS-certified material that meets the required standards. Marine Equipment Manufacturers: Companies involved in manufacturing marine equipment and components may also serve as reliable sources for ABS Grade 2 steel bars. They often maintain partnerships with reputable steel suppliers and can provide materials with the necessary certifications. Local Steel Yards : Depending on your location, local steel yards or metal service centers may carry ABS Grade 2 steel bars. Visit or contact these establishments to inquire about the availability of the material and check if they meet the required industry standards. Before making a purchase, it's crucial to verify the authenticity of the ABS Grade 2 steel bars and ensure they come with the necessary certification from the American Bureau of Shipping. This certification guarantees that the material meets the stringent requirements for marine and offshore applications. By choosing a reliable source, you ensure the material's quality and contribute to the safety and performance of your maritime projects.

Forgings are essential in advancing cancer treatment machines, contributing to the precision, reliability and safety of these critical medical devices. Forgings in Cancer Treatment Machines: Enhancing Precision and Reliability in Medical Equipment In the realm of medical technology, precision and reliability are paramount, especially when it comes to cancer treatment machines. Behind the scenes, the choice of materials and manufacturing processes plays a vital role in the performance of these life-saving devices. So, let’s take a look at the significance of forgings in cancer treatment machines and how these components contribute to the advancement of medical technology. Forgings in the Medical Industry: Forgings have found extensive applications in various industries due to their inherent strength, durability and ability to maintain tight tolerances. In the medical field, where precision is non-negotiable, forgings have proven to be instrumental in the production of critical components for cancer treatment machines. Key Components Utilizing Forgings in Cancer Treatment Machines: Linear Accelerator Components: Linear accelerators are fundamental in radiation therapy for cancer treatment. The components of these accelerators, such as gantry structures, target positioning systems and collimators, often involve forgings. The high strength and precision of forgings contribute to the stability and accuracy required in delivering targeted radiation doses. Support Structures: Forgings are commonly used to construct support structures for medical equipment. These structures provide the necessary stability for the intricate movements and adjustments required during cancer treatment procedures. Patient Positioning Systems: Precision in patient positioning is critical for cancer treatment success. Forgings are utilized in manufacturing components within patient positioning systems to ensure accurate and repeatable positioning during radiation therapy sessions. High-Stress Components: Certain components within cancer treatment machines, subjected to high stress and demanding conditions, benefit from the enhanced mechanical properties of forgings. This includes parts that experience repeated movements and exposure to radiation. Advantages of Forgings in Cancer Treatment Machines: Strength and Durability: Forgings exhibit exceptional strength and durability, ensuring that components withstand the rigorous demands of cancer treatment machines over extended periods. Dimensional Accuracy: The precision achievable through the forging process is crucial for maintaining tight tolerances in components, contributing to the overall accuracy and reliability of cancer treatment machines. Reduced Material Waste: Forging minimizes material wastage compared to other manufacturing processes, aligning with sustainability goals in the medical industry. Quality Standards and Safety: Components used in cancer treatment machines must adhere to stringent quality standards and safety regulations. Forgings, often produced to exact specifications, contribute to the overall reliability and safety of medical equipment, meeting the rigorous requirements of the healthcare sector. Forgings are essential in advancing cancer treatment machines, contributing to the precision, reliability and safety of these critical medical devices. As technology continues to evolve, the use of forgings in the healthcare industry exemplifies the synergy between material science and medical engineering, ultimately enhancing the capabilities of cancer treatment machines for the benefit of patients worldwide.    Image Source

Do you know what the complete supply chain for semiconductor manufacturing looks like and what it takes to get those materials or build those machines? Most people know that our modern economy runs on semiconductors, the tiny electronic brains for millions of devices, including space vehicles, car computers, smartphones, medical equipment, appliances and more. But do you know what the complete supply chain for semiconductor manufacturing looks like? Of course, initial thoughts are the elements that must be processed to create a wafer and the machines that do the processing. But what does it take to get those materials or build those machines? As mining plays a huge role in obtaining the materials required for the wafers and producing the machines that make the wafers, so does forging in creating the components that are strong enough to withstand the processes to create a wafer. We learned during the COVID-19 pandemic that the vast majority of semiconductors were being manufactured and shipped from overseas. As chipmaking companies like Intel bring semiconductor manufacturing back to the U.S., setting up a complete supply chain will be key. With cost being critical to semiconductor manufacturing, using near-net-shaped parts can help mitigate price differences from Asia to the U.S. Forged components are viable because they are stronger and more material efficient than other methods. Forgings for the machines that make semiconductors are made through the hot forging process, which is a metalworking process that involves heating a piece of metal until it is pliable and then shaping it into the desired shape using a die. The metal is cooled and hardened to achieve the desired properties, then finished and machined to the desired dimensions. This process is often used to create complex shapes and tight tolerances that have better properties than can be produced using other manufacturing methods. Saving time and money, forged components are an excellent alternative to burning out or machining away bar or plate because of the near-net shaping capabilities. As a result, forgings can be found in various stages of semiconductor manufacturing, including wafer production machines, fabrication and packaging. Forgings used in semiconductor manufacturing are typically made from high-strength materials such as stainless steel or aluminum that have properties to withstand the high temperatures and pressures it takes to create wafers. One common type of forged component used in semiconductor manufacturing is the base frame of the machine. The base frame is a structural piece that allows the machine to move seamlessly in all directions to produce chips. Base frames are typically made from a high-strength steel alloy or aluminum and are precision-machined to ensure a tight, secure fit within the lithography machine. Another important forged component used in semiconductor manufacturing is the heat exchanger. These devices are used to cool the wafers during processing and are typically made from aluminum or aluminum alloy. They are designed to maximize heat transfer between the hot process fluids and the coolant and are often precision-machined to ensure optimal flow and heat transfer. Forged components are also used in semiconductor packaging, which is the final step in the manufacturing process. These include lead frames and substrate carriers, which are used to hold and position the semiconductor die during the packaging process. Lead frames are typically made from a high-strength steel alloy, while substrate carriers generally are made from aluminum alloys. Overall, forged components are important in the semiconductor manufacturing supply chain. Selecting a forging partner who is reliable and will work to manufacture the most effective part for your needs will help ensure this type of work comes back to the U.S. It will also help the machine shops working with these large OEMs or bidding on projects have better opportunity for success.

EHS Today Magazine  names Scot Forge one of 16 companies to receive the 2019 America's Safest Company award. Scot Forge Recognized Again As One Of America's Safest Companies EHS Today Magazine  names Scot Forge one of 16 companies to receive the 2019 America's Safest Company award. This is the second time that the employee-owners of Scot Forge have received the award, with the first time being in 2014 when their company became the first forging company ever recognized.   "As employee-owners, our first responsibility is to complete each task without compromising our own personal safety and the safety of others," explains Joseph Lyons, safety leader. "We live this by looking out for one another, helping others and intervening when we recognize a hazard—behavioral or physical."  Each year,  EHS Today Magazine  invites companies from all industries to submit an application that demonstrates strong participation in the environmental, health and safety process. From those applications,  EHS Today Magazine selects  15 to 20 companies that have gone above and beyond safety culture standards, and then recognizes them as one of America's Safest Companies.   Once a company has won once, they must wait five years to resubmit an application. This waiting period is designed to challenge companies to make their processes even more remarkable because their next application is judged off of an already world-class process. Over the past 17 years, the magazine has recognized more than 200 companies with the award.    About Scot Forge Company Starting as a small hammer shop in Chicago in 1893, Scot Forge is proud to be a 100% employee-owned American manufacturer. Based in Spring Grove, Illinois, Scot Forge is a company with a 126-year track record of success focused on solving our customers' greatest challenges. With five U.S. facilities and 500 employee-owners, Scot Forge offers the most modern open-die and rolled-ring forging, machining and downstream capabilities in North America. From the wheels of NASA's Curiosity Mars Rover, to mission-critical components for nuclear submarines, to large hydraulic cylinders for the largest mining trucks on the planet, Scot Forge creates the precision forged metal parts used in demanding applications all over the world.