Why are forged parts stronger?

Forging makes the metal's grain follow the shape of the part, which improves strength, toughness and fatigue life compared with casting or machining from solid.

Do forged parts need machining?

Usually yes: forgings are made slightly oversize and the fitting faces, holes and threads are machined afterwards.

How is forging priced?

Often per kg of forging or per piece, plus a one-time die cost for closed-die forging.

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Forging

Also called: closed die forging, hot forging, open die forging, forging job work, forged parts, drop forging

Forging shapes hot metal by pressing or hammering it, usually between dies. The grain of the metal follows the shape, so forged parts are stronger and tougher than cast or fully machined ones. Closed-die forging makes repeat parts such as flanges, gears and levers; open-die forging makes large shafts and blocks.

Quick facts

Types: Closed-die (impression die), open-die, upset, ring rolling
Machines: Forging hammers, mechanical and screw presses, hydraulic presses
Common materials: Carbon and alloy steels (EN8, EN19, C45), stainless, brass, aluminium
Tolerances: Looser than machining; parts are usually machined afterwards
Tooling: Closed-die forging needs a forging die
Usually priced: Per kg or per piece, plus die cost

Closed-die or open-die?

	Closed-die	Open-die
Dies	Shaped dies for the part	Flat or simple dies
Best for	Repeat parts in quantity	Large or one-off parts
Examples	Flanges, gears, levers, crank parts	Large shafts, blocks, rings
Tooling cost	Die needed	Little or none

Why forge

Higher strength and fatigue life from the grain flow
Less material wasted than machining from solid
Good for safety-critical parts
Consistent quality in volume

What to send

Drawing of the finished (machined) part and, if available, the forging drawing
Material grade and heat treatment
Quantity per year
Machining allowance and which faces are machined
Testing needed (hardness, ultrasonic, certificates)

Need forging done?

Post your requirement free. Workshops that take your kind of work see it and get in touch. You only talk to the ones that fit.

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Related job work

Machines

Materials

Questions

Why are forged parts stronger?: Forging makes the metal's grain follow the shape of the part, which improves strength, toughness and fatigue life compared with casting or machining from solid.
Do forged parts need machining?: Usually yes: forgings are made slightly oversize and the fitting faces, holes and threads are machined afterwards.
How is forging priced?: Often per kg of forging or per piece, plus a one-time die cost for closed-die forging.

The figures on this page are typical values for guidance, written by Diemeco from standard engineering practice. They are not a specification: confirm grades and properties with the relevant standard or the supplier's mill test certificate, and tolerances with your workshop. Last checked 8 October 2026.