Open die forgings are produced by working between flat or simply contoured dies with unrestricted metal flow using repetitive strokes and continuous manipulation of the workpiece. Also known as smith forging, blacksmith forging, hand forging and flat-die forging. The equipment used may range from the simple anvil and hammer of the blacksmith to giant, computer-controlled hydraulic presses capable of delivering up to 75,000 tons of force and producing single forgings weighing several thousand pounds.

Most open-die forgings are simple geometric shapes such as discs, rings, or shafts. Open-die forging is also used in the steelmaking industry to cog ingots or to draw down billets from one size to a smaller one. KEYWORDS for this process: forgers