Influence of the shape and position of the preform in the precision forging of a compressor blade

The influence of the shape and the initial position of the preform in precision forging of a compressor blade has been studied by 3D rigid–viscoplastic finite element method (FEM) in this paper. The results show the following: (1) a short and thick preform results in necking at the arc transition zone between the tenon and the blade body, and at the zone near the tip of the blade during deformation; (2) a long and slender preform produces bending in the middle of the blade body during deformation; (3) if a long and slender preform is bent in advance, an advisable product without flash can be obtained; (4) a reasonable initial position of the preform deviates to the thinner side of the blade die cavity; (5) this research is beneficial for the practice of the precision forging process of a compressor blade and it has a general significance for other types of blade.