What is meant by "Forging" of metals?

   Forging 

Forging is one of the very old metal shaping process. The Black-smith using an anvil and hammer, and shaping the hot object by hammering is known to everyone. This is the basic method of forging. Thus, forging is the process in which metal is heated and is shaped by plastic deformation using compressive-impact force.

Modern forging methods make use of machinery where dies control the shape and press-hammers exert the force. Because of the machine power and sophisticated controls, forging is done with accuracy and speed. Forging may be ‘Hot-forging’ or ‘Cold-forging’. Hot forging means the object is heated to red-hot stage and then forged. Cold forging is done at room temperature.

Forging can be done only to malleable metals like wrought iron, steel, aluminium, copper etc. Brittle metals like cast iron cannot be forged.