Isothermal Forging Technology

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Context

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has established an Isothermal forging technology to produce various stages of high pressure compressor discs from titanium alloy for aeroengines.

Details

This is a crucial technology for establishing self-reliance in aero engine technology.
The production of aero-engines components such as high-pressure compressors (HPC) discs through the isothermal forging technology has put India in the league of limited global engine developers in the world, who have the manufacturing capabilities of such critical aero-engine components.
This development enables India to power its jet engines indigenously.

What is isothermal forging technology?

In metallurgy, the process of Forging is termed as shaping metal and increasing its strength by hammering or pressing.
Forging has different types, among them is isothermal forging technology.
In Isothermal forging, the die and the work piece are maintained at the same temperature throughout the forging cycle.
This technology is widely used to forge titanium-based alloys.
That is why this technology is best suited for the high-pressure compressors (HPC) discs that are used in aero-engines.
The fighter jet engine needs components with the highest precision, as a small deformity can lead to huge damage. The isothermal forging technology provides the components with the highest precision.
The components produced through the technology are very close to the final (net) shape, reducing the need for surface finishing.
More than two-thirds of the production cost is reduced by eliminating traditional finishing processes like machining or grinding.

Significance

DRDO’s technological breakthrough has put India on the world platform to create high-end technology in the defense sector.
This will further open doors for the nation to build a completely indigenous aircraft.