Forging involves the shaping of material by way of hammering, rolling, or pressing. The material can be softened by heating, making it more pliable and easier to manipulate. However, this is not always the case and subsequently, cold, warm and hot forging processes can be used.
A simple way to think of forging is the method that blacksmiths use. These manual processes are still very much in use; however, forging is typically much more automated in the modern world. The process of hammering metal into shape on an anvil is what is known as drop forging, although there are many other forging techniques that can be used to create a variety of shapes and parts.
Roll forging and press forging are just two examples. Roll forging is used to reduce width and increase the depth of material by manipulating it using cylindrical rollers . Press forging uses gradual pressure to achieve the required shape, as opposed to the more extreme pressure produced by a hammer during the drop forging process.
Forging is a great way to increase the strength of a material and increase its fatigue resistance. It can be used on a variety of materials, including stainless steel, carbon steel, aluminium, copper and brass.