Forging

Forging with TOS: your production partner

At TOS – Technical Outsource Solutions, we support companies in the production of high-quality forgings. Forging is a production technique in which metal is formed into the desired shape under high pressure and often at elevated temperatures. This results in parts with excellent strength and wear resistance.

We advise on material selection, tolerances, and machining, and support you from design to series production. Thanks to our network of reliable forges, we can offer competitive prices, short delivery times, and flexible production volumes. With TOS, you choose a single partner who manages the entire forging process – from engineering to post-processing and surface treatment.

Operator voert warm smeden uit op hydraulische pers bij TOS

Why choose TOS

Significant Cost Savings
Broad Network of Suppliers
European Quality Standards
Personal Dutch Contact Point
Expertise in Labor-intensive Processing
Industriële smeedpersen in productiehal van TOS voor staalvervorming

What is forging and what possibilities does TOS offer?

Forging is a process in which metal is plastically deformed by compressive or impact forces. The result is components with high material density and excellent mechanical properties. Forging is primarily used for steel products, but aluminum and stainless steel are also suitable, depending on the application.

There are two main forms:

 

  • Closed-die forging: The material is pressed into a closed die. This process is suitable for larger production runs and produces parts with high dimensional accuracy and reproducibility. Typical products include shafts, gears, and connecting pieces.
    • Open-die forging: In open-die forging, the metal is formed between flat or simple hammers. This process is flexible and often used for larger, heavier parts or smaller production runs.

    At TOS, we help you choose the right forging process. Our engineers advise on materials, tolerances, and machining methods. After forging, we also perform CNC finishing operations such as turning or milling. Heat treatments (annealing, normalizing, hardening) are often required after forging. In addition, common surface treatments such as galvanizing or powder coating can be applied. This ensures you get parts that meet both technical and aesthetic requirements.

Gesmeed metalen onderdeel geproduceerd via matrijssmeden bij TOS

How we work

First acquaintance

During this conversation we will briefly explain what we can do for you and answer your questions.

Price research

Based on your product and requirements, we request prices and delivery times from various suppliers.

Quotation and agreement

We will then prepare a clear quote. Prices are quoted based on your terms and conditions.

Prototype and approval

Once you have approved our proposal, we will start making a prototype.

Quality control and delivery

After approval of the prototype, the assignment will begin.

Materials and alloys for forging

Materials and alloys for forging
Forging is most commonly used for steel, due to its high strength and wear resistance, which are essential for heavy-duty structures and technical components. Stainless steel (for corrosion-resistant applications) and aluminum (for lighter structures) can also be forged.

At TOS, we recommend the right alloy for each project. This ensures that the combination of mechanical properties, weight, and surface quality is optimally suited to the application.

Material Properties Strength Corrosion resistance Applications
Steel
Very strong, wear resistant
High
Moderate
Axles, gears, couplings
RVS (304/316)
Corrosion resistant, wear resistant
High
Excellent
Food industry, chemical, maritime
Aluminium
Lightweight, highly malleable
Middle
Good
Aviation, transport, light construction

Advantages and Disadvantages of Forging

How we work on a forging project

At TOS, we employ a structured approach to forging. From intake and design optimization to series production and delivery, we guide our clients through the entire process. Thanks to our expertise in drop forging and free forging, we create strong, durable, and precise components, fully tailored to the customer’s application and technical requirements.

Verhitte stalen smeedstukken klaar voor verdere vervorming bij TOS
Every forging project begins with an initial consultation. Together, we discuss the application, volumes, budget, and delivery times. By clearly defining the objectives, we can select the right forging method and efficiently plan production. This lays the foundation for strong and reliable forgings.

Our engineers provide advice based on Design for Manufacturing . This involves optimizing the design to ensure it is suitable for forging, taking into account tolerances and efficient material use. We also recommend the appropriate alloy, such as steel or aluminum, depending on strength, durability, and application.

After the intake and DFM consultation, we prepare a transparent quote. This quote clearly specifies the costs for mold production, forging, and post-processing. We also provide a clear schedule, so customers know exactly when sample pieces and series products will be delivered.
Depending on the product requirements, we determine whether drop forging or free forging is the best option. Drop forging produces precise shapes and is ideal for larger production runs, while free forging offers greater flexibility for single pieces and small runs. This way, we always choose the most cost-efficient and technically sound process.

We usually start by printing a few 3D models and submit them for inspection. Before starting series production, we conduct a trial run. During this First Article Inspection (FAI), the first forgings are tested for dimensions, tolerances, and material structure. Any improvements are implemented immediately, ensuring the final series meets all requirements.

After the trial run, there’s a design freeze. During this freeze, we incorporate all feedback and finalize the specifications. This provides certainty for both the customer and the manufacturer and ensures stable, reproducible production during the forging process.

During series production, forgings are manufactured to agreed-upon standards and tolerances. Thanks to modern forging techniques, we can efficiently produce both small and large series, with consistent quality and high precision.

After forging, components can be further processed using CNC techniques such as milling, turning, or drilling. These finishing processes ensure a perfect fit and increase the functional value of the forged parts. This allows us to supply components that are immediately usable in assemblies and machines.

For added durability and protection, we offer various surface treatments after forging. These include heat treatment for improved mechanical properties, powder coating for appearance and protection, and galvanizing for high corrosion resistance. These treatments ensure the components are optimally tailored to their end use.

All forgings undergo strict quality control , including visual and dimensional inspections. We can provide certificates and reports upon request. We then handle customer-specific packaging and export preparation. Thanks to our logistics solutions —such as inventory management and customs clearance—we deliver forgings reliably and worldwide. In addition to production and machining, TOS also handles the assembly of components into complete modules. We then arrange customer-specific packaging, export documentation, and customs clearance. If desired, we maintain stock and deliver just-in-time to you or your customer. By combining production, machining, assembly, and logistics, we manage the entire process for you and guarantee an efficient and reliable process.

Cases

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FAQ's

What is the difference between drop forging and free forging?
Drop forging uses a closed die, forging the part into a solid shape. This produces parts with high dimensional accuracy and excellent reproducibility, making the process ideal for medium to large series. Free-form forging, on the other hand, is done without a closed die and therefore offers much more flexibility. It is ideal for larger or heavier parts that don’t fit in a standard die, or when single pieces and small production runs are required. Both techniques have their own advantages, and at TOS, we always advise which method best suits your project.
At TOS, we process various materials in our forging processes. Steel is the most commonly used material, thanks to its high strength and wide range of applications. Stainless steel (for corrosion-resistant applications) and aluminum (lightweight and highly formable) are also excellent for forging materials. Depending on the application, the desired mechanical properties, and cost-effectiveness, we advise our customers on the right alloy. By optimally coordinating this material selection, we guarantee that the final product is perfectly suited to the technical requirements and intended operating conditions.
The choice of a forging technique is strongly influenced by the series size. Drop forging is ideal for medium to large series because the investment in a die pays for itself with larger quantities. Open-loop forging is more commonly used for smaller production runs, single pieces, or very heavy parts where flexibility is more important than speed. At TOS, we offer both options and always recommend the most efficient approach for your production, ensuring you benefit from an optimal balance between quality, cost, and delivery time.
After forging, parts often undergo additional processing to achieve the desired dimensional accuracy and finish. At TOS, we offer CNC post-processing services such as milling, turning, and drilling, ensuring forged parts meet the strict tolerances required by many applications. Products can also be surface-treated, such as powder coating for protection and appearance, galvanizing for improved corrosion resistance, and heat treatments to further optimize mechanical properties. This ensures that forged parts fully meet our customers’ requirements, both technically and visually.

TOS is your complete partner for forging. We guide customers through the entire process: from the initial consultation and the choice of drop forging or free-form forging to production, CNC finishing, and logistics. Thanks to our international network partners, we can offer competitive prices, short delivery times, and reliable quality. With TOS, you have a single point of contact and benefit from efficient communication and consistent results. Whether it’s prototypes, small runs, or large-scale series production: we ensure high-quality forgings that meet the highest standards.