Manufacturers may prefer cold over hot forging process; since cold forged parts require very little or no finishing work. Since all bars are annealed before being forged, there is no need for a secondary heat treatment prior to machining. Another significant advantage is the material savings achieved through near net shapes. The initial weight of the workpiece equals the final weight of the cold forged component. Cold forged parts offer a good level of attainable dimensional accuracy and excellent surface quality.

      The economic advantages combined with high production rates and long die life are more than enough to convince many manufacturers that cold forging is the best option for them.

      Cost optimization in cold forging starts with the raw material. This one can be directly purchased, if necessary, with an included annealing and a peeling, which makes the slugs ready for the process. Since the number of raw materials for cold forging is limited, they are consequently more expensive. To minimize manufacturing cost, cold heading wire is preferred for small pieces.

      To obtain best cost efficiency the manufacturing process itself should be managed with an excellent know-how of all involved tools and techniques. For example, large batches of cold extruded components are manufactured on high speed mechanical presses, but complex parts and small series rather on hydraulic presses.

      An efficient lubrication system is of critical importance for the successful application of any cold forged part. All workpieces should undergo a zinc-phosphate or polymer coating. Additional lubrication with special forging oil is required on the multi-station presses. A good lubrication system guarantees the high-quality of the final piece and eliminates additional costs for eventual failures during the process.