When buyers select a process and supplier for the production of an important metal part, they face an enormous array of possible alternatives. A great many metalworking processes are now available, each offering a unique set of capabilities, costs and advantages. The forging process is ideally suited to many part applications, however some buyers may be unaware of the exclusive benefits available only from this ancient form of metal forming. In fact, forging is often the optimum process, in terms of both part quality and cost-efficiency-especially for applications that require maximum part strength, special sizes or critical performance specifications.

Although the open die forging process is often associated with larger, simpler-shaped parts such as bars, blanks, rings, hollows or spindles, in fact it can be considered the ultimate option in "custom-designed" metal components. High-strength, long-life parts optimized in terms of both mechanical properties and structural integrity are today produced in sizes that range from a few pounds to hundreds of tons in weight. In addition, advanced forge shops now offer shapes that were never before thought capable of being produced by the open die forging process.

Although the open die forging process is often associated with larger, simpler-shaped parts such as bars, blanks, rings, hollows or spindles, in fact it can be considered the ultimate option in "custom-designed" metal components. High-strength, long-life parts optimized in terms of both mechanical properties and structural integrity are today produced in sizes that range from a few pounds to hundreds of tons in weight. In addition, advanced forge shops now offer shapes that were never before thought capable of being produced by the open die forging process.

When buyers select a process and supplier for the production of an important metal part, they face an enormous array of possible alternatives. A great many metalworking processes are now available, each offering a unique set of capabilities, costs and advantages. The forging process is ideally suited to many part applications, however some buyers may be unaware of the exclusive benefits available only from this ancient form of metal forming. In fact, forging is often the optimum process, in terms of both part quality and cost-efficiency-especially for applications that require maximum part strength, special sizes or critical performance specifications.