Forging is one of the oldest mechanical metalwork-ing processes. It forms and shapes metals through the use of hammering and pressing. A cast ingot (or a "cogged" billet that has already been forged from a cast ingot) is heated to its plastic deformation temperature, then upset or "kneaded" between dies to the desired shape and size. Recent advances in forging technology, including better equipment and the use of computers and electronic controls, have greatly increased the ability to produce superior quality metal parts in a wide array of sizes, shapes, materials, and finishes. Several well-known forging processes include impression or closed die, cold forging, and extrusion. There are also open-die and seamless-rolled-ring forging processes, each offering their own advantages while serving in diverse applications ranging from high-quality driveshafts, gear rims, pinions, and couplings to eye bolts, nozzles, hydraulic cylinders, and suspension components.
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