Open-Die Forging

Open Die Forging, also referred to as smith forging, blacksmith forging, hand forging, and flat-die forging, is generally performed without special tooling. The forms obtained and the dimensions maintained are usually dependent upon the skill of the operator and the type of equipment used.

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The Open-Die forging process is employed when only a few parts are needed and when the parts are too large to be produced in closed dies. Small quantities of less than 100 parts are generally good candidates to be produced in open dies because designing and manufacturing closed dies for such a small quantity is often too costly.