kovka

Kovka, in metalworking, refers to the process of shaping metal by plastic deformation through hammering, bending, or pressing, typically while hot. The term derives from the Russian ковка, meaning forge or hammering. The primary goal is to produce a usable part or object while improving grain structure and mechanical properties.

Techniques include open-die forging and closed-die forging (also called impression or drop forging). Hot forging is performed above the metal’s recrystallization temperature to allow deformation with lower forces; cold forging uses room temperature or slightly elevated temperatures. Modern facilities use power hammers, hydraulic presses, and rotary forgers, alongside traditional hand tools for artisanal work. Typical steps involve heating, forming, reheating as needed, and finishing operations such as trimming, annealing, or tempering.

Materials commonly forged include steel and iron alloys, aluminum, copper, and nickel alloys. Forging can produce parts with superior toughness and fatigue resistance and a refined grain compared to cast equivalents, though it may require subsequent machining. It remains essential in manufacturing tools, fasteners, automotive components, aircraft parts, and decorative or artisanal items such as blades, fittings, and jewelry, as well as structural rails and hardware.

Historically, kovka has been central in many cultures, with blacksmiths playing key artisanal and economic roles. In modern industry, forging is performed at scale in specialized plants, balancing energy use, material costs, and performance requirements. Safety and training are important due to hot work, heavy equipment, and large forming forces.