What is the difference between a forging hammer and a forging press?
2026-06-25
Many customers who are preparing to invest in a forging plant or want to upgrade their forging production line often have one question: Should I buy a forging hammer and a forging press?
Both the forging hammer and the forging press are die forging hammers, but their uses are very different. Making the wrong choice will result in either low efficiency or insufficient precision.
一.What is a forging hammer?
A forging hammer uses pneumatic or hydraulic pressure to first lift the hammer head, then suddenly strike it down. The instantaneous force is very large, applied to the workpiece in an extremely short time to achieve plastic deformation. This type of forging machinery that completes various forging processes is called a forging hammer.
Advantages of forging hammers:
High efficiency: High striking frequency, capable of several blows per minute, very efficient. Industry professionals generally believe: A 1-ton die forging hammer is equivalent to a 500-ton press.
Powerful: Large instantaneous impact force. Industry professionals generally believe: The striking force of a 1-ton die forging hammer is equivalent to a 1000-ton press. A small hammer can do big jobs.
Strong adaptability: Commonly known as a universal forging hammer, it can forge almost anything. CNC hammers are even more powerful, programmable, and can be integrated into automated production lines.
二.What is a forging press?
A forging press is very different from a forging hammer. It does not deliver an instantaneous impact force, but rather continuous pressure applied to the metal. Whether it is an electric screw press, friction press, crank press, or hydraulic press, all of them make the slide move slowly downward to squeeze and form the metal material.
Advantages of forging presses:
High precision: Because there is no large instantaneous impact force, but rather continuous pressure applied to the metal, the dimensions of the formed parts are very accurate and the surface finish is good. It is suitable for forging parts with high precision requirements, such as aerospace parts, automotive components, and other high-end industries.
Low vibration: Unlike the instantaneous impact of a forging hammer, the forging press operates very, very quietly and has lower requirements for the workshop foundation; generally, no special vibration-damping foundation is needed.
Wide process range: Not only for forging, but also for stamping, drawing, bending, trimming, and other processes. Especially the screw press, which has no fixed bottom dead center, can perform single blows, continuous blows, or even "inching" down little by little, offering great flexibility.
A forging press is equipment that forms metal materials through mechanical motion or hydraulic pressure. The motor drives the transmission mechanism to operate the working mechanism, applying process force to the workpiece. The forging process of the press is slow and relatively stable.
三、Detailed comparison reference table between forging hammer and forging press
Item
All-Hydraulic Die Forging Hammer
CNC Die Forging Hammer
Friction Screw Press
Electric Screw Press
Die Forging Hydraulic Press
Hot Die Forging Press
Striking Frequency(Times/min)
60~100
70~100
10~15
15~20
15~20
50~90
Can Energy Be Controlled Precisely
No
Yes
No
Yes
-
-
Die Life
Low
High
Low
Relatively High
Extremely Low
Relatively High
Can Multi-Cavity Forging Be Done
Yes
Yes
No
Yes
Yes
Yes
Noise
Loud
Low
Loud
Low
Low
Low
Vibration
Large
Small
Small
Small
Small
Small
Can Automation Be Realized
No
Yes
No
Yes
Yes
Yes
Forging Precision
Average
High
Poor
High
Average
High
Energy Utilization Rate
Relatively High
High
Around 10%
High
High
High
Price reference comparison coefficient
1
2
1
2-3
1
4
Striking force: A 1-ton die forging hammer is equivalent to a 1000-ton press.
Production efficiency: A 1-ton die forging hammer is equivalent to a 500-ton press.
四.How to choose between forging hammer and press? Here are three practical suggestions
1.Based on your product
If the product is medium to large, complex in shape, made of difficult-to-deform materials (such as superalloys or high-alloy steel), or has strict requirements for internal structure, choose a forging hammer. Its impact force can break up and homogenize the internal grains of the metal, resulting in better performance.
If the product is precision parts, thin-walled parts, or requires complex drawing and bending, choose a forging press. Its precision and stability cannot be matched by a hammer.
2.Consider your workshop
If the workshop is small and has requirements for noise and vibration, choose a press.
If you want high efficiency and maximum striking force, choose a forging hammer.
3.Consider your budget and output
In terms of cost, a forging hammer saves more on investment budget and can forge a wide variety of products.
If your forgings require high precision and large volume, and you need an automated forging production line to reduce labor costs, then a forging press is more suitable and easier to integrate into an automated forging production line. In summary:
There is no best forging equipment, only the most suitable solution for your needs.
If you are still unsure how to choose, send us your product drawings, and we will help you with specific process analysis and equipment selection.
