Forged Latches - An Example of Military Forgings for Naval & Defence Applications

Precision forging involves three key aspects. The first is the dimensional precision of the forged components, which is achieved through the forging process itself, especially with subsequent calibration. The second aspect is the efficient use of materials, which can be optimised to achieve flash-free forgings, often ready for installation with little or no further machining, thanks to expertise, complex forging tools, and material flow simulation. The third aspect is the optimised grain flow, which leads to exceptional strength, superior to other manufacturing techniques such as casting or machining of solid blocks, where the interrupted grain flow results in reduced strength.

**Grain Flow-Optimised Forged Components: Forgings for Military & Defence**
Numerous articles have been published on this portal about "Grain Flow Forging" and the benefits of forged components across various applications. These articles explore how different forging techniques enhance the strength, durability, and performance of components. Many forgings are "dual-use" and serve both civilian and ordnance sectors. The archive of articles on non-military applications can be found here:
https://www.openpr.com/news/archive/260258/KB-Schmiedetechnik-GmbH-a-German-drop-forge.html.

**Forged Latches: Strength and Reliability in Military Applications**
Forged latches are vital components in military equipment, offering superior strength, durability, and performance in harsh environments. Unlike castings, forged latches are characterised by a refined grain structure that enhances their mechanical properties. They are used for locking and securing hatches in military vehicles and naval ships, as well as cannon breach locks, ensuring reliable operation under demanding conditions.
Similar to latches are railway couplings and locking mechanisms, which look like forged hooks and are used to securely connect train cars, ensuring durability and resistance to mechanical stress in demanding environments. They belong to specialised forged security components that can hardly be replaced by other manufacturing methods than forging due to high requirements for strength, reliability, and safety.

Further details and examples about forgings for military and defence, including some short videos, can be found in the author's blog at:
https://drop-forge.com/military-ordnance-forgings-submarine-naval-dual-use,
and Offshore, Marine and Naval Applications at:
https://drop-forge.com/forged-components-offshore-shipping-ABS-BV-ClassNK-DNV-Lloyds.

There is also a FAQ about forging and how forgings help save energy at:
https://drop-forge.com/precision-forgings-accuracy-efficiency-strength.

**About the Author**
Thomas Henneke studied Mathematics and Physics, with a focus on Geometry, Quantum Mechanics, and Solid-State Physics. After professional roles in research and education, as well as in engineering, he has been the Technical Managing Director and co-partner of the German forging company KB Schmiedetechnik GmbH since 2010.
Company Homepage: https://kb-schmiedetechnik.de

KB Schmiedetechnik GmbH
Thomas Henneke (CEO)
Buschmühlenstr. 62
D-58093 Hagen
Phone: +49 (0) 2331 35 08-55 (Sales Office)
Phone: +49 (0) 2331 35 08-0 (Central Office)
info@kb-schmiedetechnik.com

KB Precision Forgings is a marketing brand of the drop forge KB Schmiedetechnik GmbH. The company is a highly certified forging specialist for drop-forged precision parts, located in Hagen in western Germany, between the "City of Blades" Solingen and Dortmund, best known as the "Football City." Specialising in low-volume production of safety-critical closed-die forgings, ranging from 200g to 130kg, the company works with virtually all steel grades, including carbon and duplex stainless steels, nickel-based superalloys, and titanium.

Precision First - Safety as a Result - Drop Forgings Made in Germany

This release was published on openPR.