In Forjas Santa Barbara we make grinding balls by closed matrix drop forging. As well as shaping the ball, the forging process subjects it to compression and traction forces that improve the following properties.
Fibre reorientation. The initial longitudinal orientation in the rod stock shifts to spherical in the forging process. The new orientation equalises the mechanical properties radially, increasing the strength of the grinding balls.
Grain size refining. This improves the material’s mechanical properties.
Compacting the core of the balls increases breaking strength under impacts.
