Forging, one of the oldest known metal-forming operations, has come a long way since the days of banging hot steel by hand. However, the fundamental process has remained the same for thousands of years. In every situation, forging involves the application of a compressive stress, which exceeds the flow stress of the metal
The forging process typically begins with a standard billet, with the objective change its dimensions. In its more sophisticated form it produces complex shapes to a very high degree of accuracy. Forging can either be applied quickly or slowly. The process can be carried out hot or cold. Depending on whether the operation is carried out hot, or cold, forging affects the structure and properties of the forged component to varying degrees. There are two kinds of forging process, impact forging and press forging. In the former, the load is applied by impact, and deformation takes place over a very short time. Press forging, involves the gradual build up of pressure to cause the metal to yield.