Latest developments in the open-die forging industry

Open-die forging is one of the oldest steel manufacturing technologies. Thanks to its high flexibility (simple tooling, flexible control) it will remain a key technology for the production of medium and large forgings, and rolled rings. Open-die forging is also becoming a near-net-shape process which will guarantee reproducible quality by means of modern process-controlled shaping equipment. This development has been documented in great detail. The close tolerance range of the product properties calls for increasing application of precise computer-controlled manufacturing and testing methods, some examples of this development trend being software-controlled forging, precalculation of heat treatment processes and computer displays of ultra-sonic reflectors within the complete volume of the forging. Close cooperation between the forging industry and consumers, plant builders and institutes will become increasingly important in the future. For the forging shops, further concentration on specific competencies and increasing specialization will be essential in order to be able to cope with intensifying international competition.