Forged Cylinder Heads by MTS Forge

The four main types of cylinder heads are flathead (L-head), overhead valve (OHV), overhead cam (OHC), and dual overhead cam (DOHC). Each differs in valve placement and combustion chamber design. For industrial and high-performance applications, forged cylinder heads are preferred across these types due to their superior grain structure, strength, and fatigue resistance compared to cast alternatives.

Forging aligns the metal's grain structure along the component's geometry, producing a denser, more uniform material with higher tensile strength and fatigue resistance. Unlike casting, which can introduce porosity and inconsistent grain flow, closed die forging compresses the material under controlled press force, resulting in cylinder heads that perform reliably under extreme pressure and thermal cycling in aerospace, defense, and power generation environments.

MTS Forge produces forged cylinder heads in a broad range of materials including alloy steels, stainless steels (such as 316-L), and high-performance alloys like Monel K-500 and Ferralium 255 duplex stainless steel. Material selection is driven by the application's mechanical, thermal, and corrosion requirements. Our metallurgical team advises customers on the optimal alloy for their specific operating environment and certification requirements.

MTS Forge supplies forged cylinder heads and related components to aerospace, defense, power generation, commercial nuclear, machine manufacturing, chemical processing, construction, agriculture, and gas and petroleum industries. Our quality assurance certifications — including Mil I 45208, NCA 3800, and Mil Q9858 — make us qualified to serve sectors with the most stringent material traceability and inspection requirements.

Yes. MTS Forge performs in-house normalizing heat treatment at its Coatesville, PA facility for all forged components, including cylinder heads. Normalizing heats the forging above its upper critical temperature and air-cools it to break up uneven grain growth created during forging. The result is a refined, uniform microstructure with improved tensile strength, toughness, ductility, and machinability — critical for downstream processing or direct application.

Absolutely. MTS Forge specializes in custom forgings engineered to exact customer drawings and specifications. Our in-house tooling design and die development capability allows us to produce cylinder heads in a wide variety of geometries and sizes without relying on external tooling vendors. This reduces lead times, lowers tooling costs, and ensures dimensional accuracy from the first production run through delivery.

MTS Forge operates under a comprehensive Quality Assurance Program that includes Mil I 45208, NCA 3800, and Mil Q9858 certifications. These programs require complete material traceability throughout the production process — from raw material receipt through forging, heat treatment, machining, and inspection — making MTS Forge qualified for commercial nuclear, military, and aerospace procurement requirements.

Lead times for forged cylinder heads vary based on material availability, part complexity, quantity, and required post-forge processing such as heat treatment or rough machining. Because MTS Forge performs forging, heat treatment, and rough machining in-house at our Coatesville, PA facility, we eliminate inter-vendor handoffs that typically extend lead times. Contact our team with your drawings and specifications for a detailed production timeline and quote.