Abstract: An apparatus and method for rotary forging a workpiece is disclosed which includes a manipulator for grasping and advancing the workpiece axially along a predetermined path of travel through a rotary forge mounted adjacent the manipulator. The rotary forge includes cooperating pairs of forging dies which work and reshape the workpiece. At least one induction heating coil located in-line with the path of travel of the workpiece through the forge is mounted adjacent the forge for selectively heating the workpiece as it is advanced into the rotary forge.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process and apparatus for hot working metals whereby a finer and more uniform grain structure is produced in the wrought product. In conventional hot working operations, the workpiece is initially heated to an elevated temperature within the hot working temperature range of the particular metal or alloy, and the heated workpiece is then hot worked by deformation until the workpiece becomes chilled, thereby necessitating reheating prior to further hot working. In accordance with the present invention, the reheating of the workpiece is accomplished by subjecting the chilled workpiece to electric induction heating at a frequency preselected to concentrate the induced heat in the chilled outer portions of the workpiece to thereby rapidly return the workpiece to the optimum hot working temperature throughout so that continued hot working can be reinitiated before appreciable grain growth can occur.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process and apparatus for hot working metals whereby a finer and more uniform grain structure is produced in the wrought product. In conventional hot working operations, the workpiece is initially heated to an elevated temperature within the hot working temperature range of the particular metal or alloy, and the heated workpiece is then hot worked by deformation until the workpiece becomes chilled, thereby necessitating reheating prior to further hot working. In accordance with the present invention, the reheating of the workpiece is accomplished by subjecting the chilled workpiece to electric induction heating at a frequency preselected to concentrate the induced heat in the chilled outer portions of the workpiece to thereby rapidly return the workpiece to the optimum hot working temperature throughout so that continued hot working can be reinitiated before appreciable grain growth can occur.