Open Die Forging

Somers Forge is a world leader in open die forging. Our wide range of equipment enables us to produce open die forgings from 1 kg to in excess of 80 tonnes in weight, with lengths up to 23 metres.

Find out more about open die forging below…

What is open die forging?

Open die forgings are offered here at Somers Forge. It is the shaping of heated metal between a top and bottom die using force. The term open die comes from the workpiece not being enclosed.  With each continuous strike of the metal, it is gradually shaped to the required dimensions increasing the strength and grain structure.  Items are manipulated at high temperatures normally ranging from 1200 -1280 degrees centigrade.  The process of open die forging means that it is not capable to form high precision parts from just the forging process alone. Therefore, the machining of products after forging is often required to achieve the desired detailed finish. Our unique forging equipment is capable of forging close tolerances to minimise the amount of machining required on a finished part.

Closed die forging has dies which are specifically shaped to the desired configuration, resulting in high costs to make the tool mould before adding on the forging cost itself. The open die forge does not enclose the metal completely and therefore allows different dimensions to be created with greater properties/scope unbeatable grain structure.

What types of applications are best suited to open die forging?

Open die forging is best suited to large pieces used for short runs. These mostly consist of forged bars, blocks, shafts, cylinders, discs, hubs, flanges and custom forged shapes. Most popular applications are often single runs or bespoke designed items.

What are the benefits of open die forging over closed die forgings?

The biggest advantage of open die forgings is an incredible strength, creating hard-wearing products with an excellent surface finish.

  • Bespoke short runs
  • Improved microstructure
  • Greater strength
  • Better fatigue resistance increasing the lifespan
  • Finer grain size
  • Shaping reduces the voids
  • More economical
  • Less material waste

Open die forging materials

We forge a large range of materials including:

  • Carbon steel
  • Alloy steel
  • Stainless Steel
  • Inconel
  • Titanium
  • Tool steel
  • Aluminium
  • Copper
  • Nickel
  • Bronze

For further information or for a quotation on open die forging today, contact us by calling 0121 585 5959 or filling out our online enquiry form below.