Forging Vs Casting, which one is better?

Forging and casting are two very different manufacturing processes used to manipulate the shape of metal. In the casting process, metal is heated until molten. Then it is poured into a mold or vessel to create a desired shape. In the forging process, material is pressed or hammered into a certain shape while still maintaining a solid state. Now the question is which one is better?

Generally speaking, Forging is stronger than casting.

• Forged parts had a 26% higher tensile strength than the same cast parts.

•  Forged parts had a 37% higher fatigue strength resulting in a much longer lifespan than cast parts.

•  Cast iron only had 66% of the yield strength of forged steel, a measurement that indicates the load amount metal can hold before deforming.

However, casting do offer a wider range of metal options and it can be done for more complicated shapes.

The answer is it depends!