Hot & Cold Plate Forming
Precision forming of plates using in-house tooling design and development capabilities, producing a diverse range of contoured shapes efficiently and at competitive cost for demanding industrial applications.
MTS Forge delivers precision hot drape forming for complex contoured components used in aerospace, defense, and power generation. Using elevated temperatures to achieve tight-radius bends and near-net shapes, our process reduces scrap, lowers machining costs, and meets the strictest dimensional tolerances — all backed by nearly four decades of metallurgical expertise from our Coatesville, PA facility.
From plate heating and die-based contouring to custom shape production and post-form finishing, we cover every stage of the hot drape forming workflow.
Precision forming of plates using in-house tooling design and development capabilities, producing a diverse range of contoured shapes efficiently and at competitive cost for demanding industrial applications.
Near-net-shape contour forging in a wide range of alloys including duplex stainless steels, enabling complex curved geometries that minimize downstream machining and material waste.
Fully custom-forged and hot-formed components tailored to exact engineering specifications, from small precision parts to large structural shapes, built with cutting-edge technology and time-honored craftsmanship.
We begin by selecting the appropriate alloy — from carbon and alloy steels to high-performance nickel and duplex stainless grades — and performing incoming material inspection to verify chemistry and dimensional compliance before any thermal processing begins.
See how MTS Forge delivers precision hot drape formed components that meet the toughest industry requirements.
Nearly four decades of metallurgical expertise and in-house forming capability make MTS Forge the trusted partner for critical hot drape formed components.
Founded by metallurgists, we apply deep materials science knowledge to every hot drape forming decision, ensuring optimal heating parameters and alloy-specific die strategies.
Our large proprietary tooling inventory and in-house die design capability keep tooling costs competitive and lead times short for customers across aerospace and defense.
Comprehensive Quality Assurance Programs including Mil I 45208 and Mil Q9858 provide full traceability and meet the stringent procurement standards of defense and nuclear clients.
Since 1986, MTS Forge has built its reputation in Coatesville, PA on consistency, craftsmanship, and delivering Made-in-America components that perform in the most demanding environments.
Led by metallurgical experts with decades of hands-on forging experience.
Co-Founder
Stephen Carr co-founded Manufacturing & Technical Services, Inc. — operating as MTS Forge — in 1986 alongside Edward Waddell, building the company from the ground up on core principles of quality and customer service. Stephen brings a strong metallurgical background and extensive practical knowledge of forging practices, which has been instrumental in shaping MTS Forge's technical capabilities in hot drape forming, closed die forging, and plate forming. His deep understanding of material behavior at elevated temperatures informs the company's approach to process development and tooling design. Under his co-leadership, MTS Forge has grown into a recognized leader in the forging industry, serving aerospace, defense, power generation, and commercial nuclear customers with precision-formed components manufactured to the most stringent quality standards from the company's Coatesville, Pennsylvania facility.
Co-Founder
Edward Waddell is a co-founder of MTS Forge, establishing the company in 1986 alongside Stephen Carr with a shared commitment to delivering high-quality forging solutions to American industry. Edward's metallurgical background and comprehensive knowledge of forging practices have been central to the company's technical direction, particularly in developing in-house capabilities for hot plate forming, contour forging, and heat treatment processes. His expertise in alloy behavior and forming mechanics underpins MTS Forge's ability to work with a wide range of materials — from alloy steels and stainless grades to high-performance nickel alloys. Through decades of growth and investment in advanced equipment, Edward has helped position MTS Forge as a trusted supplier to aerospace, defense, and nuclear sectors operating from their Coatesville, PA manufacturing facility.
Hot drape forming involves heating a metal plate or blank to a temperature at which it becomes sufficiently plastic, then positioning it over or onto a shaped die and applying press force to conform the material to the die's contour. The elevated temperature reduces forming force, minimizes springback, and allows tight-radius bends and compound curves that would crack the material if attempted cold. After forming, controlled cooling or heat treatment restores mechanical properties.
Speak directly with our metallurgical experts for technical guidance and a detailed project quote.
Military inspection system requirements certification for quality assurance.
Nuclear quality assurance program certification for commercial nuclear components.
Military quality program requirements certification ensuring manufacturing process integrity.
Share your component requirements, material specifications, and drawing details with our team. We'll respond with technical feedback and a competitive project quote from our Coatesville, PA facility.
For immediate assistance, feel free to give us a direct call at (610) 857-3500. You can also send us a quick email at Fmicale@mtsforgepa.com
For immediate assistance, feel free to give us a direct call at (610) 857-3500. You can also send us a quick email at Fmicale@mtsforgepa.com