Forging vs. Fabrication: Processes, Methods, and Differences

When you're planning your metal parts, choosing the right manufacturing method can feel confusing. You might hear terms like forging and fabrication, but not know which one suits your project. Picking the wrong process can lead to higher costs, weak parts, or delays. Fortunately, once you understand the differences and steps between forging and fabrication, you can make smart decisions with confidence. This guide makes it simple and practical for you to choose the right path for your metalworking needs.

• Tip: Before starting a project, list your part’s strength requirements, size, and quantity—this helps prevent unnecessary machining costs.

 

Forging shapes metal through pressure and heat, while fabrication combines cutting, welding, and assembling different metal pieces. Forging is best for high-strength parts, and fabrication is ideal for custom fabrication and complex structures. Choosing between them depends on strength requirements, shape complexity, budget, and production volume.

 

 

Now that you understand the basic idea, let’s dive deeper into how each process works. You’ll learn each step of forging and fabrication, their common methods, advantages, disadvantages, and how to choose the right one for your CNC machined parts project.

• Tip: If you're unsure which process to choose, consulting a CNC machining factory early can save you time and redesign costs.

 

 

What Is Forging?

 

Forging is a metalworking process where metal is shaped using pressure, heat, or both. Instead of removing material like machining does, forging reshapes it to create stronger, more durable parts. This makes it ideal for structural components, high-stress parts, and industries where safety is critical—such as automotive, aerospace, and heavy machinery. You can choose between hot forging and cold forging depending on your material and strength needs.

• Tip: If you need very strong forged parts, confirm the metal grade and heat treatment requirements before production to avoid rework.

 

 

Forging Process Flow Steps

 

Before forging begins, a clear process flow is essential. Each step—from die design to finishing—affects part quality, strength, cost, and production speed. Understanding the full sequence helps you plan your metal forging project more efficiently and avoid delays. Whether you're developing custom parts or mass production, a structured forging process ensures consistency and reliability.

• Tip: A process flow chart can help you track time, cost, and production stages—especially useful when working with a CNC machining factory.

 

 

Die Design and Manufacturing

 

Die design is the foundation of successful metal forging. The die determines the part’s final shape, dimensions, and tolerances. A well-designed die minimizes defects, reduces machining time, and improves material flow during forging. Once designed, the die is manufactured using high-strength tool steel and precise machining—often done using CNC machining services to ensure accuracy and long tool life.

• Tip: Always confirm die lifespan and maintenance requirements early; damaged dies can quickly increase production costs.

 

 

Bill/Ingot Preparation

 

In this stage, the raw metal material—usually in the form of billets or ingots—is selected and cut to size. Material selection is critical, as different metals respond differently to heat and pressure during forging. The material must be clean and free from cracks or surface defects, ensuring consistent strength after forging. Proper preparation reduces waste and improves metal flow during shaping.

• Tip: Ask your supplier for material certificates to verify composition and quality—this prevents defects that may appear later during CNC machining.

 

Heating

 

For hot forging, the billet or ingot is heated to a specific temperature range where it becomes more ductile and easier to form. The heating temperature depends on the metal type: for example, steel may reach 1,100°C while aluminum requires lower temperatures. Controlled heating prevents excessive grain growth and keeps the material ready for forging pressure.

• Tip: Uneven heating can create weak spots—ensure temperature monitoring is consistent across the entire batch.

 

 

Forging

 

This is where the metal takes shape. Using high pressure, the heated material is compressed and formed through dies or machinery. Options include hammer forging, press forging, roll forging, and upsetting—each suited for different part shapes and strength levels. The forging step significantly improves grain structure, creating strong, durable forged parts.

• Tip: Choose the forging method based on part complexity—overcomplicated forging can raise tooling and labor costs.

 

 

Heat Treatment

 

After forging, heat treatment improves mechanical properties like hardness, strength, and toughness. Common processes include annealing, quenching, and tempering. This step helps relieve internal stress created during forging and ensures long-term stability of the part before further machining or finishing.

• Tip: Never skip heat treatment when high performance is needed—skipping it may cause cracks during CNC machining.

 

 

Cooling

 

Cooling must be controlled to avoid warping or cracks. Depending on the metal and desired properties, cooling may be fast (quenching) or slow (air cooling or furnace cooling). This step locks in the material’s structure and prepares it for final finishing or CNC machining.

• Tip: Uneven cooling leads to distortion—confirm cooling methods with your manufacturing partner before production.

 

 

Surface Treatment (Finishing)

 

Finally, the forged part goes through finishing steps such as deburring, grinding, coating, or polishing. This improves corrosion resistance, appearance, and precision. Surface treatment also prepares the part for CNC machining or assembly. At this stage, dimensions are confirmed to meet final tolerances.

• Tip: If additional CNC machining is required, leave machining allowance during forging to avoid material shortage.

 

 

 

 

Forging: Common Methods

 

There is no single “best” forging method. Each technique offers different strengths depending on your part shape, metal type, strength requirements, and budget. By understanding the main methods—such as hammer forging, pressure forging, and precision forging—you can choose the most efficient process for your metalworking project.

• Tip: Always match the forging method to production volume; using heavy machinery for low quantities may increase costs unnecessarily.

 

Hammer Forging

 

Hammer forging uses repeated blows from a hammer to shape the heated metal. It’s simple, flexible, and ideal for small batches or custom shapes. However, accuracy depends heavily on operator skill, and surface defects may appear if not controlled properly.

• Tip: Choose hammer forging only when flexibility matters more than precision—otherwise, CNC machining or press forging may be more cost-effective.

 

Pressure Forging

 

In pressure forging, the force is applied steadily through a press rather than repeated hammer strikes. This ensures better material flow and more accurate dimensions. It is suitable for medium to large production volumes and high-strength parts.

• Tip: If your part requires tight tolerances, pressure forging is safer than hammer forging and reduces machining time later.

 

Roll Forging

 

Roll forging continuously shapes metal by passing it through rotating rolls. This process is efficient for long parts like shafts, bars, or tapered components. It improves grain structure and reduces material waste.

• Tip: Roll forging minimizes scrap—great for saving cost when using expensive alloys.

 

Upsetting

 

Upsetting increases the cross-sectional area of the metal by compressing one end. It’s commonly used to create bolt heads, valves, and fasteners. The process is quick and helps maintain strength without removing any material.

• Tip: Ensure precise control during upsetting, or metal may buckle and require rework.

 

Automatic Hot Forging

 

Automatic hot forging is a high-speed, automated process used for mass production of forged parts. Metal is heated and shaped in a continuous line, reducing labor and increasing consistency. It’s widely used in automotive components and hardware manufacturing.

• Tip: Best for high-volume production—avoid it if your part design changes frequently.

 

Rolled Ring Forging

 

This method forms strong rings by piercing a hole in a metal billet and then rolling it into shape. It produces excellent strength-to-weight ratio, making it ideal for aerospace, bearings, and turbines.

• Tip: For large ring-shaped parts, rolled ring forging is lighter and stronger than machining from a solid block.

 

Precision Forging (Cold Forging)

 

Precision forging—often done at room temperature—produces near-net-shape parts with excellent accuracy. Since it doesn’t use heat, it requires high pressure but reduces finishing steps and material waste.

• Tip: Cold forging is great for small, high-precision components—but only works well with ductile metals.

 

Isothermal Forging

 

In isothermal forging, the die is kept at the same temperature as the metal. This prevents thermal shock and improves metal flow. It’s ideal for hard-to-forge materials such as titanium or superalloys.

• Tip: Isothermal forging is costly but valuable when working with advanced materials for aerospace or medical devices.

 

Induction Forging

 

Induction forging uses electromagnetic induction to heat metal rapidly and uniformly before forging. It is energy-efficient and precise, making it suitable for selective heating and continuous production lines.

• Tip: Use induction forging when you need fast heating and clean energy—especially useful when working with CNC machining services.

 

Spinning

 

Spinning shapes metal using rotational force and a pressing tool. It creates hollow, symmetrical parts like cones, cylinders, or cookware. Spinning is often used with sheet metal and can be combined with CNC machining for accuracy.

• Tip: Spinning is effective for thin materials but must be supported properly to prevent wrinkling or cracks.

 

 

 

What Is Fabrication?

 

Fabrication is the process of creating metal structures by cutting, welding, bending, and assembling different metal parts together. Unlike forging—where metal is reshaped under pressure—fabrication focuses on building components from separate pieces. It’s ideal for custom fabrication, complex structures, and large assemblies such as frames, enclosures, and industrial equipment.

• Tip: Fabrication offers flexibility, but each weld or joint adds time and cost—plan your design early to reduce unnecessary connections.

 

 

 

 

Fabrication Process: Common Technologies

 

 

Fabrication combines different metalworking technologies to build parts from separate components. Each technology—casting, welding, or cutting—serves a specific purpose depending on your design, strength needs, and budget. Understanding these methods helps you choose the most cost-effective fabrication process for your manufactured parts.

• Tip: If your part needs high strength, combining fabrication with CNC machining services can improve accuracy and durability.

 

Casting

 

Casting involves pouring molten metal into a mold to create a shaped part. It’s ideal for complex shapes and large components, especially when cost efficiency matters. However, casting usually requires additional finishing or CNC machining to achieve precise tolerances.

• Tip: If dimensional accuracy is critical, leave machining allowance for CNC machined parts after casting.

 

Welding

 

Welding joins metal pieces together using high heat. It’s widely used in metal fabrication to assemble frames, supports, and structural components. Different welding methods (MIG, TIG, laser welding) can be selected based on metal type and strength requirements.

• Tip: Every weld is a potential weak point—ask your fabrication shop about weld inspection and testing if strength is important.

 

Cutting

 

Cutting prepares raw material for fabrication by separating metal into workable shapes. Modern fabrication uses advanced cutting technologies like laser cutting or waterjet cutting to improve precision and reduce waste. Proper cutting helps lower material cost and speeds up assembly.

• Tip: For clean edges and less post-processing, digital cutting methods are more efficient than manual cutting.

 

Cutting Types

 

Different cutting methods offer different levels of precision, speed, and cost. Choosing the right cutting method depends on material type, part thickness, and accuracy needs. Using the wrong cutting method can increase scrap rate or require extra machining afterward.

• Tip: Always consider material thickness and tolerance before selecting a cutting process.

 

Waterjet Cutting

 

Waterjet cutting uses high-pressure water—sometimes with abrasive particles—to cut metal without heat. It avoids heat distortion and works well on thick, hard materials.

• Tip: If your material is heat-sensitive, waterjet cutting is safer than laser or plasma cutting.

 

Laser Cutting

 

Laser cutting provides high precision and smooth edges, making it ideal for detailed or intricate designs. It works best with thin metal sheets and is often used in custom fabrication or prototype manufacturing.

• Tip: Laser cutting may require additional deburring on thicker materials—factor this into your project time.

 

Plasma Cutting

 

Plasma cutting uses high-temperature plasma to cut through thick metals quickly. It is faster than laser cutting but offers slightly lower precision. It is commonly used in structural fabrication or large-scale manufacturing.

• Tip: Plasma cutting is cost-effective for thick metal—but avoid it if tight tolerances are required.

 

Torches

 

Torch cutting is a traditional method using oxy-fuel to melt and cut metal. It’s affordable and suitable for on-site work but lacks precision and may leave rough edges.

• Tip: Use torch cutting mainly for rough cuts or early material preparation stages.

 

Mechanical Cutters

 

Mechanical cutters include shears, saws, and milling machines. They physically remove material and require manual or semi-automatic control. They are useful for simple shapes and small batches.

• Tip: For large batches, mechanical cutting may slow production—consider upgrading to automated cutting processes.

 

Drilling

 

Drilling creates holes for bolts, assembly, or alignment. It is commonly used during fabrication to prepare parts for later joining or CNC machining. Drilling machines and CNC drilling stations improve speed and consistency.

• Tip: Request precise drill positioning—misalignment can cause assembly problems later.

 

Punching

 

Punching uses force to push metal through a die, creating holes or shapes. It’s fast and efficient for sheet metal fabrication and mass production.

• Tip: Punching needs strong tooling—verify die durability to prevent unexpected maintenance costs.

 

Bending/Folding

 

Bending shapes metal without cutting it. Press brakes or rollers are used to form angles, curves, or channels. This is essential in frame building, enclosures, and chassis fabrication.

• Tip: Over-bending can weaken metal—accurate angle control helps reduce rework.

 

Stamping

 

Stamping forms metal into complex shapes using a die and high pressure. It’s suitable for high-volume production of parts like brackets, housings, and automotive components.

• Tip: Stamping tooling is expensive—only use it for mass production or long-term projects.

 

Drawing

 

Drawing stretches metal to create deeper shapes such as cups, cans, or containers. It is similar to stamping but focuses on depth rather than flat shape formation.

• Tip: Material must have good ductility—brittle metals may crack during drawing.

 

 

 

Forging and Fabrication: Main Differences

 

Both forging and fabrication are essential metalworking processes, but they serve different goals. Forging reshapes a single piece of metal using pressure and heat, which improves strength and structural integrity. Fabrication combines multiple metal parts through cutting, welding, and assembly, offering more flexibility and design freedom. Your choice depends on strength requirements, part complexity, cost, and production volume.

• Tip: Before choosing a process, ask yourself: “Do I need one strong solid part, or multiple connected parts?” This question alone can save time during manufacturing planning.

 

 

Table：Key Differences Between Forging and Fabrication

 

 

 

• Tip: Use forging when safety or stress resistance matters; choose fabrication when part design changes often or structure is complex.

 

 

 

 

 

Forging and Fabrication: Advantages and Disadvantages

 

 

Both forging and fabrication have clear strengths and limitations. The right choice depends on part performance, complexity, and production volume. Understanding their pros and cons helps you select the most cost-effective process for your metalworking project and avoid expensive redesigns later.

• Tip: Compare requirements early—switching from forging to fabrication after production begins can significantly increase cost and time.

 

 

 

Forging: Advantages and Disadvantages

 

 

Forging is chosen when maximum strength and reliability are required. However, it also has limitations in design flexibility and tooling cost. Reviewing both sides helps you decide whether forged parts are the best fit for your product.

• Tip: Forging often needs CNC machining afterward—include machining time in your project schedule.

 

Advantages of Forging

• Produces high-strength metal components with excellent grain flow.
• Enhances fatigue resistance and overall durability.
• Reduces internal defects such as porosity and cavities.
• Offers consistent results for mass production.
• Uses material efficiently with low scrap rate.
• Improves resistance to impact, pressure, and wear.
• Ideal for critical parts in aerospace, automotive, and machinery.

Tip: When working with a CNC machining factory, provide clear forging drawings to limit machining revisions.

 

 

Disadvantages of Forging

• Limited design flexibility compared to fabrication processes.
• Complex shapes may require expensive multi-piece dies.
• High initial tooling and setup cost for small production runs.
• May require heat treatment and CNC machining after forging.
• Not suitable for thin or highly detailed structures.
• Requires controlled temperature and skilled operators.
• Certain metals are difficult or impossible to forge.

Tip: If the part shape changes often, fabrication might be more economical than forging.

 

 

 

Fabrication: Advantages and Disadvantages

 

 

Fabrication is more flexible and suitable for custom designs, but each joint or weld affects strength and appearance. Knowing both sides helps you balance performance with cost.

• Tip: Design your fabrication layout with assembly in mind to reduce welding time and distortion.

 

Advantages of Fabrication

• Highly flexible for complex or custom shapes.
• Works well with different metals and thicknesses.
• Lower tooling costs compared to forging.
• Suitable for low-volume or prototype production.
• Can combine with CNC machining for improved precision.
• Supports joining, reinforcement, and modular design.
• Allows easy modification during development stages.

Tip: Fabrication is ideal when design changes are likely—especially during prototyping.

 

 

Disadvantages of Fabrication

• Welded joints can weaken overall strength.
• More scrap material may be produced during cutting.
• Requires additional inspections to ensure quality.
• Dimensional accuracy may vary without CNC finishing.
• May involve longer assembly times and labor costs.
• Risk of heat distortion during welding or cutting.
• Surface finishing and post-processing add extra cost.

Tip: For large fabricated parts, check distortion risk—CNC machining may be required for final alignment.

 

 

 

 

Forging and Fabrication: Industry Applications and Parts

 

 

Different industries rely on forging and fabrication for very different reasons. Forging is preferred when strength and durability are critical, while fabrication is ideal for larger structures or assemblies with multiple components. Knowing where each process is used will help you choose the right manufacturing method for your CNC machined parts or custom fabrication projects.

• Tip: Always discuss your industry requirements with your machining supplier—choosing the wrong process can lead to part failure or unnecessary cost.

 

 

Forging: Industry Applications and Parts

 

Forging is commonly used in industries where safety, durability, and performance are essential. Below are typical applications and forged parts:

 

 

Industries using forging:

• Aerospace and aviation
• Automotive and heavy vehicles
• Oil and gas equipment
• Industrial machinery manufacturing
• Defense and military equipment
• Marine and shipbuilding
• Agricultural machinery
• Power generation (wind, gas, hydro turbines)

 

Common forged parts:

• Gears, shafts, and crankshafts
• Connecting rods and valves
• Turbine blades and engine components
• Fasteners, bolts, and hardware
• Flanges and couplings
• Bearing rings and rollers
• Hydraulic components

Tip: Forged parts often require CNC machining services for final precision—request tolerance data from the start to avoid rework.

 

 

 

Fabrication: Industry Applications and Parts

 

Fabrication is ideal for structures and assemblies that need flexibility, customization, or modular design. It is widely used in construction, machinery manufacturing, and metalworking projects.

 

 

Industries using fabrication:

• Construction and building structures
• HVAC and industrial equipment
• Automotive body and frame manufacturing
• Energy and power distribution equipment
• Storage and transportation systems
• Custom fabrication workshops
• Agricultural and mining machinery
• Metal furniture and display systems

 

Common fabricated parts:

• Frames, brackets, and enclosures
• Support beams and platforms
• Tanks, containers, and piping systems
• Sheet metal housings and covers
• Machine guards and panels
• Metal cabinets and shelving
• Platforms, staircases, and walkways
• Industrial workstations and racks

Tip: For large fabricated assemblies, consider combining fabrication with CNC machined parts to improve accuracy and alignment.

 

 

 

Why Forging and Fabrication Can Be Applied to These Industry Parts

 

 

Forging and fabrication are widely used in industrial manufacturing because they offer different structural, mechanical, and design advantages. Their suitability depends on the performance requirements of each part, such as strength, precision, fatigue resistance, corrosion resistance, and weight-to-strength ratio.

 

Why Forging Works

 

Forged parts are hot- or cold-shaped under pressure, which refines the metal grain structure and eliminates internal voids. This process results in:

• Exceptional strength and toughness
• High fatigue and impact resistance
• Reliable performance in extreme environments
• Safety-critical and load-bearing capability

Therefore, industries that require structural integrity, durability, and reliability—such as automotive, aerospace, energy, and heavy machinery—often use forged parts.

 

 

Why Fabrication Works

 

Fabrication involves cutting, bending, welding, machining, and assembling metal components. It provides:

• Greater freedom in part geometry
• Cost-effective production for complex assemblies
• Customizable designs
• Fast prototyping and flexibility

Thus, fabrication is ideal for custom structures, housings, frames, enclosures, piping systems, and specialized equipment across multiple industries.

 

 

Applications of Forging & Fabrication by Industry

 

 

 

 

Why These Manufacturing Methods Match Industry Needs

 

Industry demands can be summarized into four core criteria:

 

 

 

Why They Suit Industry Parts

• Forging is preferred when strength, reliability, and fatigue resistance are essential.
  
• Fabrication is ideal when geometric complexity, flexibility, or cost-effective assembly is required.
  
• In many industries, both processes are combined: forged parts ensure strength, while fabricated parts provide structural support and shape.

 

 

Conclusion

 

Both forging and fabrication are fundamental to modern manufacturing, and each plays a specific role in part design and industry application. Forging ensures strength, reliability, and safety, while fabrication delivers design flexibility, scalability, and cost efficiency. Many industries use both processes together — forged parts for mechanical performance and fabricated structures for support and assembly — creating optimized solutions for demanding environments.

 

 

 

 

 

Forging and Fabrication: How to Choose the Right Machining Process for Your Metal Parts

 

 

Choosing the right process for your metal parts can make or break your project. Forging and fabrication each have strengths and limitations, and selecting the wrong method can increase costs, reduce part strength, or slow production. By understanding when to use each process, you can ensure your parts meet performance, design, and budget requirements.

• Tip: Always define your part’s mechanical requirements, complexity, and production volume before deciding on forging or fabrication.

 

 

When to Choose Forging?

 

You should choose forging when your project demands maximum strength, reliability, and fatigue resistance. Forging is ideal for parts that will experience high stress, impact, or extreme conditions. It’s especially suited for applications like automotive shafts, aerospace components, industrial gears, and heavy machinery parts. Forging ensures a refined grain structure, reducing defects and improving durability, which makes it the go-to method for high-performance components.

• Tip: If strength is critical and post-machining is needed, leave extra material during forging for CNC machining finishing.

 

When to Choose Fabrication?

 

Fabrication is the better choice when your design requires complex geometries, custom assemblies, or modular structures. It’s ideal for low-volume projects, prototypes, or parts that cannot be formed as a single piece. Fabrication excels in producing frames, enclosures, tanks, piping systems, and industrial equipment where welding, cutting, and bending create the desired structure. It’s also cost-effective for designs that frequently change, as tooling costs are lower than forging.

• Tip: Plan your welded joints and assembly sequence carefully to minimize distortion, and consider combining fabrication with CNC machining for precise holes, edges, or fittings.

 

 

 

VMT: Getting Started with Your Forging and Metal Fabrication Parts Project

 

Starting a forging or fabrication project with VMT ensures your metal parts are produced efficiently, accurately, and to your specifications. First, define your project goals, including strength, design complexity, and production volume. Share detailed drawings and material requirements with the CNC machining factory. VMT can guide you in selecting the optimal process—whether forging for durability or fabrication for complex assemblies—and provide professional CNC machining services to finish your parts.

• Tip: Early collaboration with your machining partner reduces errors, lowers costs, and ensures the final part meets both functional and aesthetic requirements.

 

 

 

Conclusion

 

Forging and fabrication are two cornerstone processes in modern metalworking, each with distinct advantages and applications. Forging is ideal for high-strength, fatigue-resistant parts like shafts, gears, and turbine components, while fabrication offers flexibility for complex assemblies, custom structures, and large-scale projects. Choosing the right method depends on your part’s strength requirements, complexity, production volume, and budget.

 

By understanding the differences, processes, and industry applications, you can make informed decisions, optimize material use, reduce costs, and ensure your parts perform reliably. Combining forging, fabrication, and CNC machining services allows you to achieve both durability and precision, delivering high-quality metal parts tailored to your project’s needs.

• Tip: Always define your design, material, and functional requirements before starting production to minimize errors, rework, and unnecessary expenses.

 

 

 

 

 

Frequently Asked Questions

 

 

1. What are the four types of forging?

 

The four main types of forging are:

1. Hammer Forging – Uses repeated hammer blows to shape heated metal.
2. Press (or Pressure) Forging – Applies steady pressure for precise material flow.
3. Roll Forging – Metal passes through rotating rolls for long parts.
4. Upset Forging – Increases cross-sectional area of one end, often for bolts or valves.

Tip: Choose the type based on part size, shape, and required mechanical strength.

 

 

2. Which metals cannot be forged?

 

Metals that are very brittle or have low ductility are difficult or impossible to forge. Examples include:

• Cast iron
• High-carbon steels in untempered form
• Some hard alloys like tungsten carbide
• Certain aluminum alloys with poor formability

Tip: For these metals, consider casting or specialized machining methods instead.

 

 

3. Which is better, hot forging or cold forging?

• Hot Forging: Performed at high temperatures; allows shaping hard metals and large parts; improves ductility and reduces cracking.
• Cold Forging: Done at or near room temperature; produces high dimensional accuracy with minimal finishing; best for small, ductile parts.

Tip: Choose hot forging for strength and large parts; cold forging for precision and low scrap.

 

 

4. What are the three types of metal fabrication?

 

The three common types of metal fabrication are:

• Cutting – Using tools like laser, plasma, or waterjet to shape metal.
• Welding/Joining – Connecting pieces with heat, pressure, or adhesives.
• Forming/Bending – Shaping metal without removing material, including stamping, rolling, or folding.

Tip: Complex parts often combine all three techniques.

 

 

5. Which is stronger, casting or forging?

 

Forging produces stronger parts than casting because it refines the metal grain structure and reduces internal voids. Cast parts may be suitable for complex shapes but usually have lower fatigue and impact resistance.

• Tip: For high-stress applications like shafts or gears, forging is the preferred choice.

 

 

6. Is forging stronger than welding?

 

Yes, forging generally produces stronger components. Welds can introduce weak points, heat-affected zones, or residual stresses, whereas forged parts are a single, continuous piece with enhanced grain flow.

• Tip: Use welding only when assembly or geometry requires joining multiple parts.

 

 

7. Welding vs. Metal Fabrication: What’s the Difference?

• Welding: A process to join metal pieces, often part of fabrication.
• Fabrication: The broader process of cutting, shaping, assembling, and joining metal components.

Tip: Think of welding as one step within the larger fabrication process.

 

 

8. What type of steel is used for forging?

 

Common steels for forging include:

• Carbon steels (low, medium, high)
• Alloy steels (chromium, nickel, molybdenum)
• Stainless steels (for corrosion-resistant forged parts)

Tip: Select the steel grade based on strength, heat treatment, and application requirements.

 

 

9. Which metal is the most difficult to forge?

 

Metals that are extremely hard, brittle, or have high melting points are difficult to forge. Examples include:

• Tungsten and tungsten alloys
• Certain titanium alloys
• High-carbon, untempered steels
• Cast iron

Tip: For these metals, specialized processes like powder metallurgy, casting, or CNC machining are usually more practical.