ABSTRACT
Extractive metallurgy finishes with the production of metal in a pure or approximately pure state. Subsequent operations have to be performed on the metal to shape it into a suitable form for the consumer. The metal may be remelted and cast into the form in which it will be used, alternatively it may be cast into a simple shape such as an ingot, slab, or wirebar for subsequent working by the application of mechanical force. Mechanical shaping of ingots may be performed by hot forging, hot or cold rolling or cold working into wire, pressings, etc. The greatest tonnage of worked metal is produced by rolling, but forging under the hammer or hydraulic press is important, and extrusion is also used extensively in the shaping of metals. In a few instances, the worked products are in the form they used; other products such as sheet, strip, etc., form the raw material for engineering industries and require further processing.
