What Are the Quality Checks for Forgings?

Forgings are widely used in industries that demand strength, reliability, and performance—such as aerospace, automotive, power generation, shipbuilding, and petrochemicals. But producing a forging is only part of the story. To ensure safety and performance in critical applications, the quality of forgings must be thoroughly verified before they are put into use.

So, what are the quality checks for forgings? This article will walk you through the key inspection methods, testing standards, and quality control practices used in the forging industry. Companies like sakysteel integrate multiple layers of inspection into every stage of the forging process to deliver trusted, certified components to customers worldwide.

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Why Quality Checks Matter in Forging

Quality checks help ensure:

• Dimensional accuracy

• Structural integrity

• Consistent mechanical properties

• Surface finish and appearance

• Conformance to international standards (ASTM, EN, ISO, etc.)

Failing to inspect a forged part correctly can result in:

• Equipment failure

• Production downtime

• Costly recalls or repairs

• Safety hazards

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Key Stages of Quality Checks for Forgings

The forging inspection process is divided into several key stages:

1. Raw Material Inspection

2. In-Process Quality Control (IPQC)

3. Final Inspection and Testing

4. Documentation and Traceability

Let’s explore each one in detail.

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1. Raw Material Inspection

Quality assurance starts even before forging begins. The raw material—whether it’s a steel billet, bar, or ingot—must meet the exact specifications for chemical composition and cleanliness.

Checks performed:

• Chemical analysis using spectrometers or optical emission spectroscopy (OES)

• Visual inspection for surface cracks, rust, or contamination

• Ultrasonic testing to check for internal inclusions or voids

• Material certification verification (MTC, EN 10204 3.1 or 3.2)

sakysteel only sources raw materials from certified mills and conducts full material verification before any forging process begins.

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2. In-Process Quality Control (IPQC)

During forging, continuous checks are made to ensure each part is formed correctly and remains defect-free.

a) Temperature Control

Forging temperatures must stay within a precise range for each material type. Overheating can cause grain growth, while underheating may lead to cracks.

• Infrared thermometers and pyrometers monitor surface and core temperatures

• Digital furnace controllers keep heating cycles consistent

b) Visual and Dimensional Checks

During and after forging, operators check for:

• Proper metal flow

• Flash formation

• Cracks, laps, folds

• Deformation and warping

Basic dimensional checks are performed using calipers, gauges, and templates.

c) Die and Tooling Inspection

Regular inspection of forging dies ensures consistent shape and prevents surface defects.

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3. Final Inspection and Testing

This is the most critical stage of quality assurance. The forged part undergoes several non-destructive and mechanical tests to confirm it meets all design and safety standards.

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a) Dimensional Inspection

• Coordinate Measuring Machine (CMM) is used for complex geometries

• Calipers, micrometers, and templates check overall size, flatness, roundness, and thickness

• Tolerances are verified according to drawings and international standards

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b) Visual Inspection

A trained inspector checks for:

• Surface cracks, tears, or laps

• Oxidation or scale

• Poor finish or sharp edges

• Flash that wasn’t fully trimmed

Forgings from sakysteel undergo 100% visual inspection before packaging.

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c) Non-Destructive Testing (NDT)

These tests identify internal or surface defects without damaging the part.