How does a forging press shape white-hot metal blanks?

A forging press shapes metal by applying steady hydraulic or mechanical pressure to a heated workpiece, rather than using the repeated impact blows characteristic of a drop hammer.1

In this process, the metal blank is positioned between an upper and a lower die. The press forces the upper die against the workpiece, causing the metal to deform and take the shape defined by the die impressions. For large-scale industrial applications, such as producing rotors or pressure vessels, massive hydraulic presses can exert up to 10,000 tons of force, while specialized giant presses used in aerospace manufacturing can reach capacities of 50,000 tons.123

This method of hot working is highly effective for improving the mechanical properties of the metal. By applying compressive stress, the process eliminates porosity and refines the internal grain structure, resulting in a "wrought" product with superior ductility and toughness compared to cast shapes.4