Laube Technology

Order Open Die Forgings; Shape the Future of Industrial Manufacturing

Open Die Forgings – Versatility, Strength, and Precision for Industrial Applications

Open Die Forgings are at the heart of high-performance industries that demand strength, reliability, and dimensional precision. At Laube Technology, we specialize in crafting custom Open Die Forgings that support critical infrastructure across aerospace, oil & gas, medical, defense, energy, and marine sectors. With over 75 years of experience, Laube’s team brings deep expertise from concept to finished product, offering unmatched value at every stage.

Open die forging pressing down metal

What Are Open Die Forgings?

Open Die Forgings refer to a metal shaping process where the workpiece is deformed between multiple dies that do not completely enclose the material. This allows for larger, more complex, and customized shapes without compromising structural integrity. Open Die Forgings are ideal for low-volume, high-strength parts that need superior grain flow and mechanical properties.

Materials Used in Open Die Forgings

Open Die Forgings can be made from a wide range of materials, depending on performance requirements:

  • Titanium – Lightweight, high strength, corrosion resistant

  • Stainless Steel – Excellent corrosion resistance and durability

  • Alloy Steel – Optimized for strength and toughness

  • Nickel Alloys – High-temperature performance

  • Carbon Steel – Cost-effective with good mechanical properties

  • Aluminum – Lightweight with good formability

Trending Applications of Open Die Forgings

Open Die Forgings are constantly evolving to meet the needs of modern industries. Some of the most in-demand applications include:

  • Turbine Discs and Shafts for aerospace

  • Manifolds and Nozzles for petrochemical processing

  • Tooling Blocks for die & mold making

  • Hubs, Couplings, and Sleeves for heavy machinery

  • Orthopedic Implants for medical devices

  • Drive Shafts and Gear Blanks for energy transmission

How Open Die Forgings Are Made

The forging process begins with a heated metal billet placed between flat or contoured dies. Through repeated striking or pressing, the material is gradually formed into the desired shape. This process allows for elongation, reduction, or spreading, depending on design requirements. Key stages include:

  • Heating to proper forging temperatures

  • Initial forging to create rough shapes

  • Subsequent forging to achieve closer tolerances

  • Heat treatment for enhanced material properties

  • Machining for final precision and finishing

Difference between open and closed die forging

Industries That Benefit from Open Die Forgings

Open Die Forgings are vital in sectors where safety, strength, and performance are non-negotiable. These include:

  • Aerospace & Aviation

  • Oil & Gas

  • Construction Equipment

  • Military & Defense

  • Medical Devices

  • Power Generation

  • Marine Engineering

  • Mining & Earthmoving Equipment

 

Why Choose Laube for Open Die Forgings?

Laube Technology was established over 75 years ago and continues to lead the market with our deep knowledge of metallurgy and modern forging techniques. Our team works closely with clients from ideation to delivery, ensuring optimal outcomes for every project.

    • In-house design & prototyping

    • End-to-end project management

    • Certifications for industry compliance

    • Flexible order volumes

    • Strict quality control and testing

Customer Reviews

“Laube was instrumental in getting our aerospace project off the ground. Their engineering team was responsive and knowledgeable, and their forgings exceeded all specs.” – Jonathan M., Aerospace Project Lead

“We needed complex alloy parts for a petrochemical plant rebuild. Laube delivered precision, speed, and great customer service. Highly recommend.” – Elena T., Senior Buyer, Energy Sector

Who Are Potential Customers for Open Die Forgings?

If your business requires metal components that endure extreme environments or deliver consistent performance over long periods, Open Die Forgings may be right for you. Potential customers include:

  • Machine builders

  • Aerospace component manufacturers

  • Oil & gas equipment producers

  • Construction and earthmoving OEMs

  • Defense contractors

  • Power plant developers

  • Shipbuilding and marine manufacturers

  • Biomedical implant companies

Types of Open Die Forgings and Specs

TypeMaterial OptionsMax SizeCommon ApplicationsHeat Treatable
DiscsAlloy Steel, TitaniumUp to 80” diaTurbines, FlywheelsYes
ShaftsStainless, Carbon SteelUp to 30 ft lengthRotors, Propeller ShaftsYes
Rectangular BlocksAlloy SteelCustomDie blocks, Press RamsYes
Hollow CylindersNickel AlloysUp to 40” ODHydraulic Sleeves, CasingsYes
Step ShaftsTitanium, SSUp to 20 ftMotors, DriveshaftsYes

Glossary of Terms for Open Die Forgings

  • Billet: A chunk of raw metal used as the starting material.

  • Die: A tool used to shape metal during the forging process.

  • Grain Flow: The direction of the metal’s structure, which is aligned during forging for strength.

  • Forging Temperature: Temperature range at which metal becomes plastic enough for shaping.

  • Upsetting: Increasing the cross-sectional area by shortening the length.

  • Elongation: Stretching the billet to increase its length.

  • Yield Strength: The stress at which a material begins to deform plastically.

  • Hot Working: Deforming metal at temperatures above its recrystallization point.

  • Machining Allowance: Extra material added to allow for final machining.

  • NDT: Non-Destructive Testing, a method for checking internal flaws.

FAQ – Open Die Forgings

  1. What’s the difference between open die and closed die forging? Open die forging uses flat dies and allows for custom shapes; closed die forging uses pre-shaped molds.

  2. Are Open Die Forgings stronger than castings? Yes, forging improves grain flow and eliminates internal voids, making parts significantly stronger.

  3. What tolerances can be achieved with Open Die Forgings? Tolerances typically range between ±0.03″ to ±0.125″ before machining, depending on size and shape.

  4. What industries use Open Die Forgings the most? Aerospace, oil & gas, medical, and heavy machinery are key users.

  5. Is heat treatment necessary? In many cases, yes. Heat treatment enhances the mechanical properties of forged parts.

  6. Can you forge titanium using the open die process? Absolutely. Titanium is a common material due to its high strength-to-weight ratio.

  7. Are custom sizes available? Yes, Laube specializes in custom Open Die Forgings made to your exact specs.

  8. What’s the lead time for a typical order? Lead times vary from 4–12 weeks depending on complexity and material availability.

  9. How do I get a quote? Contact Laube with your drawings and material specs – we’ll provide a tailored quote promptly.

  10. Is Laube ISO certified? Yes, we maintain ISO and industry-specific certifications to meet your quality standards.

Extended Resources for Open Die Forging

Let’s Forge a Better Future Together

Looking for a reliable partner in metal manufacturing? Laube Technology is your trusted source for precision Open Die Forgings. From the spark of an idea to the final bolt in place, we’re with you every step of the way. Let’s talk about how we can support your next project.

Contact Us Today
📞 (805) 388-1050
📧 sales@laube.com
🌐 www.laube.com

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