Contour Forging
Forging a component to a profiled, contoured shape that follows its final geometry — aligning grain flow with the part, maximizing strength, and cutting the metal you have to machine away.
Forge the shape, keep the strength
Contour forging shapes a part to follow its own profile rather than starting from a generic block. By working the metal into a contour close to the finished geometry, we align the grain flow with the shape of the part — so the flow lines curve with the component instead of being cut straight across by a machine tool. The payoff is a stronger, more fatigue-resistant part and far less material to remove downstream.
For long, curved, or variable-section components, contour forging is often the difference between a part that is merely strong and one that is optimized. MTS Forge has developed contour forging sequences since 1986, and finishes every part in-house under ISO 9001:2015 heat treatment and rough machining.
Where contour forging pays off
Best for parts whose strength depends on grain following the shape — and where reduced machining meaningfully cuts cost.
Curved and variable-section structural members where optimized grain flow is essential.
Aerospace market
Links, levers, and arms that carry load along a contour and benefit from aligned grain.
Machine Manufacturers
Profiled, load-bearing hardware where strength-to-weight and reliability are paramount.
Defense market
Process capabilities
- Forging to a contoured, profiled shape that follows the finished geometry
- Grain flow aligned with the part for optimized strength and fatigue life
- Reduced machining stock and material removal versus block forgings
- Long, curved, and variable-cross-section components
- Carbon, alloy, and stainless steels, plus specialty alloys on request
- In-house heat treatment, normalising, and rough machining to finish
- ISO 9001:2015 registered quality control and traceability
The contour-forging advantage
Grain follows the part
Flow lines curve with the geometry, so strength tracks the shape instead of being cut across.
Less machining
Forging near the profile means far less metal to remove — lower cost and faster finishing.
Optimized fatigue life
Aligned grain resists the cyclic and bending loads contoured parts typically see.
Better strength-to-weight
Material sits where it carries load, trimming weight without sacrificing integrity.
Complex profiles
Long, curved, and variable-section geometries forged close to net shape.
Documented control
Every contour forging is traceable under our ISO 9001:2015 system.
Ready to forge your next component?
Have a curved or variable-section part carrying real load? Send your print and we'll show how contour forging can strengthen it and cut machining.