Closed-Die Forging Solutions by MTS Forge

Closed die forging is a metal forming process where heated metal is pressed between two shaped dies that fully enclose the workpiece, forcing the material to conform precisely to the die cavity. This produces components with superior grain flow, tight dimensional tolerances, and excellent mechanical properties — while minimizing material waste compared to machining parts from solid bar stock.

A closed die press is a hydraulic or mechanical forging press used to squeeze heated metal billets between matched upper and lower dies. The dies form a closed cavity that shapes the metal into the desired geometry. Press tonnage can be adjusted to accommodate different materials and die configurations, including less expensive die materials for cost-effective tooling solutions.

MTS Forge works with a wide range of materials including alloy steels, stainless steels, high-performance alloys such as Monel K-500, duplex stainless steels like Ferralium 255, and 316-L stainless steel for nuclear Section III applications. Our metallurgical expertise allows us to recommend the optimal material for your specific load, environment, and cost requirements.

By shaping metal within precision dies rather than machining parts from full bar stock, closed die forging eliminates large volumes of wasted material. Components exit the process near net shape, dramatically reducing downstream machining time and tool wear. MTS Forge also maintains a large in-house tooling inventory, keeping tooling costs competitive and accelerating setup for repeat or similar geometries.

MTS Forge serves aerospace, defense, power generation, commercial nuclear, machine manufacturing, agriculture, medical, construction, chemical processing, and gas and petroleum industries. Our certified quality assurance programs and complete material traceability make us a preferred supplier for manufacturers and procurement teams in Pennsylvania, Iowa, Kentucky, and Texas who operate under rigorous industry and government standards.

Yes. MTS Forge performs in-house normalizing heat treatment at our Coatesville, PA facility. Normalizing heats forged components above their upper critical temperature and allows controlled air cooling to break up irregular grain structures from the forging process. This produces a uniform microstructure with improved tensile strength, toughness, ductility, and machinability — fully integrated into our production workflow.

MTS Forge maintains certifications to Mil I 45208 (inspection system requirements), NCA 3800 (nuclear quality assurance for ASME Section III), and Mil Q9858 (military quality program requirements). These certifications cover the most stringent traceability, documentation, and process control requirements demanded by defense, aerospace, and commercial nuclear procurement programs.

Absolutely. MTS Forge specializes in custom forgings tailored to exact customer specifications, from small precision components to large structural parts. Our in-house tooling design and development capability allows us to create new die geometries efficiently and at competitive cost. All custom forgings are manufactured in America and meet our full quality assurance and traceability standards.