forging

views updated May 18 2018

forging Shaping of metal by hammering, or by applying pressure against a shaped die. Blacksmiths forge horseshoes and other iron items by hammering the red-hot metal on an anvil. In mass-manufacturing processes, pressure from an hydraulic forging press or blows from a forging hammer shape metal parts by forcing them against hard-metal die. Most metals are forged hot, but cold forging is also practised.