This article builds on the introductory piece Grain Flow – Optimised Forgings for Enhanced Structural Integrity, where the basics and advantages of forging, in contrast to casting, were explained, highlighting the superior strength, durability, and reliability of forged components.
Forged components feature a fibre-oriented grain structure that follows their shape, ensuring exceptional stability—much like wood grain. This integrity makes forging the preferred method for critical parts such as forged slings and lifting gear (hooks, eyelets, towing eyes), and forged chain components. The optimised grain flow enhances strength and reliability, making forged parts superior, especially under extreme and highly demanding conditions.
The image above shows a grain flow simulation of a drop-forged hook with minimal flash on the outer edges (orange zones). Ideally, flash should be reduced as much as possible. Precision forging, combined with advanced simulation, minimises scrap (flash, burr). In the best cases, even flash-free forging is achievable, requiring little to no rework or machining, which reduces both material waste and energy consumption.
The Management of Critical Drag Forces
Drag forces are crucial in virtually all towing, lifting, and securing operations, playing a critical role in both civil-industrial and military contexts. Whether loading ships at a dock, operating cranes to lift heavy loads, or transporting materials at construction sites, in agriculture, or forestry, these forces are key to ensuring the efficiency and safety of a wide range of activities. Understanding and managing drag forces is essential to ensuring the safety of both personnel and equipment during these operations.
Forged Chains: From Heavy Lifting to Tracked Vehicles
First developed over 4,000 years ago, chains mark a significant milestone in industrial development, initially serving functional purposes before becoming jewellery.
A major issue with chain links is misalignment and canting, which can lead to breakage—especially under preload, as seen in conveyor belts and the rail chains of battle tanks.
Chains are needed to pull high-load trailers or heavy vehicles, handle materials in warehouses, load cargo in docks, move objects in shipyards, drive tracked vehicles in agriculture, forestry, and on construction sites— or even power battle tanks in combat scenarios. The principles remain the same, and what is required are Precision Forged Chain Links!
About the Author
After his military service as a guard commander at an airport of the German Federal Armed Forces, Thomas Henneke studied solid-state physics, mechanics, and mathematics, with a focus on energy-related topics and complex analysis. Following professional roles in research, education, and engineering, he has been the Technical Managing Director and co-partner of the German forging company KB Schmiedetechnik GmbH since 2010.
There are two “hidden” sub-pages on the author’s blog at drop-forge.com: covering MIL—military forgings and dual-use applications, and DEV—precision forged weapon parts, including chain links and specialised components for critical tasks in high-demand environments.This blog complements the company’s main website, providing additional information on their forging machinery, certifications, services, as well as articles on valves, materials, marine and naval applications, hooks and lifting gear, and a FAQs section covering precision forging and tips on energy-saving with forgings.
KB Schmiedetechnik GmbH is a highly certified forging specialist for drop-forged precision parts, located in Hagen, in the western part of Germany, between the “City of Blades” Solingen and Dortmund — best known as the “Football City.” The company is a member of the German Forging Association (IMU) and the German Association for Defence Technology (DWT).
Military Forgings for Critical Defence Applications, ranging from 200g to 130kg, across all steel grades.
