Closed Die Forging

Closed die steel forgings, commonly called impression-die forgings, are produced through a multi-step process. Heated steel is placed in a forging press and compressed in a series of tool steel dies that progressively reflect the mirror image of the desired final shape. Closed die forgings are specified in high load and high-stress applications for a number of reasons, including internal consistency (no pockets or voids), and superior mechanical properties due to optimized grain flow and refinement. Forgings offer overall excellent dimensional and mechanical consistency part to part, lot to lot.

Closed Die Forging Process

At Walker Forge, we are sure to meet any of your custom specifications. High purity SBQ (special bar quality) steel is saw-cut or sheared into billets, heated in a gas-fired or electric induction furnace to a precise temperature then transferred to a mechanical forge press. The forge process typically includes 2-3 hits using pressure to compress and plastically deform the heated metal to mirror the die impression.  The forging dies confine the metal flow resulting in more precision in the final forging geometry as compared to open die-forging. If required, the forging is subsequently heat-treated and machined.

Walker Forge Engineering Department

Walker forge utilizes design and simulation software to work collaboratively with our customers. Typically, our customer shares a print or 3D model of their part requirement along with a raw material designation or specification.  Then our Engineering department determines an optimized forging design for customer approval.

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Closed Die Forging Industries & Applications

Closed die forgings are used in applications requiring superior mechanical properties and high structural reliability.

Forged products are commonly found in the following industries:

  • Automotive
  • Agriculture
  • Construction
  • Mining
  • Military
  • Energy

Forged products are commonly found within the following applications:

  • Transmissions & chassis
  • Engine timing & transmission gears
  • Track components
  • Severe service ground engagement tools
  • Spindles & Shafts
  • Drill cones
  • Jet arms
  • Flow-line parts
  • Hammer unions

Forging Capabilities:

Maximum part sizes and weights
Carbon Steel
Up to 100 lbs. / 45kg.
Up to 100 in² / 645 cm²
Alloy Steel
Up to 100 lbs. / 45kg.
Up to 100 in² / 645 cm²
Stainless Steel
Up to 70 lbs. / 32 kg.
Up to 75 in² / 484 cm²

Materials We Forge:

Over 1,000 grade and size combinations ordered through approved SBQ mills.

Carbon Steel
1000 Series
1100 Series
1200 Series
1500 Series
Alloy Steel
4000 Series
5000 Series
8000 Series
9000 Series
Stainless Steel
300 Series
400 Series
PH Grades (17.4)

At Walker Forge, our primary process is closed-die forging, which involves heating special bar quality (SBQ) steel and shaping it to your custom specifications.

Choose us today for a wide range of sizes and types of forgings, supported by a complete array of value-added services including metallurgical lab testing, heat treating, and machining.

Contact Us to Discuss Your Forging Needs

Some of the world’s top-performing companies have turned to us for decades with confidence, thanks to an exceptional record of on-time delivery, dependable quality, and all-around easy experience.

  • 13 forging press lines ranging from 850 to 4,000 tons
  • Volumes ranging from a few thousand parts per year up to 750,000 parts per year
  • TS and ISO certified
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Heat Treating

Save time and money and get your part finished right with a wide array of in-house capabilities.

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