Ton per cross section

[EWCTool]

I know that the rule of thumb for power hammers is about 50 lb./in^2. Is there a rule of thumb for hydraulic presses, ton/in^2?

How many tons would be needed to forge 3 inch round, productively?

[Richard Furrer]

about 8 ton per square inch steel...double that for carbon stainless and triple for high alloy.
More or less.
As to 3" round...you want to make it into a square or swage it into a complex shape? It makes a huge difference.

I suggest lubrication as well...makes the friction with the dies less.
Ric

[Backwoods Blacksmith]

It would depend on what you want to do. Are you forging into a die or using a fuller? Even then it would depend on the fuller radius or even if you were using a top and bottom fuller. No help I am sure but more info needed. I don't know if there is a single formula.

[EWCTool]

I am thinking about general forging. For example, making a mandrel.

[Steve H]

"The power of forging presses for the average line of work is approximately as follows: For mild steel at a fair heat, a pressure of 3 to 5 tons per sq. in. on the faces of the tools is generally sufficient but when swages or dies are used, it may be necessary to double these pressures. For the very hardest steels, the pressure required may be as high as 10 or even 15 tons per sq. in but this is an exceptional case"

Machinery's Handbook 1953