Material Savings
Forging can measurably reduce material costs since it requires less starting metal to produce many part shapes.
For example, with a torch cut part (A), all corner stock and the full center slug are lost, even though you pay for the excess material. With a forging (B), the part is shaped to size with minimal waste.
A
B
Machining Economies
Forging can also yield machining, lead time and tool life advantages. Savings come from forging to a closer-to-finish size than is capable by alternative metal sources such as plate or bar. Less machining is therefore needed to finish the part, with the added benefits of shorter lead time and reduced wear and tear on equipment.
Reduced Rejection Rates
By providing weld-free parts produced with cleaner forging quality material and yielding improved structural integrity, forging can virtually eliminate rejections.
Production Efficiencies
Using the forging process, the same part can be produced from many different sizes of starting ingots or billets, allowing for a wider variety of inventoried grades. This flexibility means that forged parts of virtually any grade can be manufactured more quickly and economically.