A significant factor in meeting customer requirement in speciality forging is understanding the material specification and locating the correct size and grade at a competitive price. WHT has a wealth of experience in both current standards and legacy specifications and works in conjunction with Namtech using the World Metals Index to verify materials performance and certification. We also have the support and advice of a network of expert metals stockists registered on WHT’s Procurement Website which provides our Materials Controller with a rapid response on price and availability.

WHT’s Engineers use Pro Engineer 3-D modelling and ‘Forge-2008’ simulation software to develop component geometry and test die design thus ensuring the ‘forgeability’ of customer parts before any major cost is incurred. This reduces development lead-time, gives our customers a clear image of the final design and helps WHT in eliminating potential forging defects such as cracking or underfill.

State-of-the-art in-house die making is key to short lead-times and affordable tooling for forged products. At WHT a fully integrated CAD/CAM package links product and die design to high-speed die sinking using two Matsuura CM-series machining centres with the latest Hitatchi cutting tool technology. In addition to the rapid production of dies for new product designs, those required for regular production can be re-sunk overnight to ensure their readiness at all times. WHT also has an extensive die-storage facility and die maintenance is part of our service package.

WHT offers a unique service in closed-die forging of a wide range of forged components from 25grm to 30 Kg net weight in any forgeable material. We have a total of nine hammers ranging from 350Kg to 5-Tonne power rating with a maximum die size of 600mm². We have particular expertise in forging high strength alloys such as Alloy 625 & Monel as well as duplex and super duplex stainless steels and regularly make safety critical parts in Aluminium and Aluminium Phosphour Bronze.

Continuous improvement of die design and set-up procedures means that WHT can provide competitive pricing on small batches, particularly when the alternative is machining complex parts from solid bar or billet. In addition to cost benefits, forgings offer the ultimate strength performance, especially for complex shapes where grain flow direction is important.

WHT now boasts its own on-site machine shop with the capability to carry out a range of finish machining operations to our forged parts and produce turned parts. Five three-axis machining centres with up to 1000mmx500mmx500mm beds can perform complex milling and drilling operations, 7  CNC controlled chucking lathes up to 250mm dia and 1000mm length and 2 Bar fed lathes  up to 65mm dia. There is also a range of ancillary grinding, milling and drilling equipment.

Whilst WHT still carries out some sheet-metal press work our range of presses (25T to 250T) are used mainly for secondary operations on forgings: This includes cold-holing and clipping in steel and aluminium, a 50-tonne hydraulic press for assemblies and bending and a 750-tonne hydraulic press for cold coining of critical dimensions and surfaces on forgings.

WHT works in partnership with leading heat treatment companies to meet International standards and customer material specifications for finished condition of all grades of material. This can be supported by the most stringent of quality control requirements including furnace calibration records, process record charts and operating procedures.

Customer requirements for surface finishing including zinc plating, galvanizing and passivation are also carried out by specialist sub-contractors most of whom are located close-by in the West Midlands.  

Our quality team carries the latest British Standard  accreditation for non-destructive Magnetic Particle Inspection (MPI) (crack detection) and is trained in the use of coordinate measuring systems for component checking and First Article Inspection reports (FAIR) and Initial Sample Inspection Reports (ISIR)

WHT also has approved and accredited Test Laboratory partners who carry out Mechanical, Corrosion and Micrographic testing as well as Ultrasonic and Dye-Penetrant Inspection in compliance with the standards used by the majority of industry sectors. All such testing is fully certified.