Anchor Harvey Frequently Asked Questions
Looking to learn more about forging? Our FAQs provide clear, concise answers to the most common questions—making it easy to understand the process, tools, and techniques all in one place.
Metal forging is a precision manufacturing process that reshapes metal under compressive force. This process enhances the grain structure and mechanical properties of the material, making it ideal for high-performance applications.
Metal forging is a specialized metal forming process that uses compressive forces, often with heat, to shape metal. As a subset of metal forming, forging improves material strength, toughness, and durability.
The primary types of metal forging include:
- Closed-Die Forging (Impression Die Forging): Pressing or hammering metal between two dies that contain the desired shape.
- Open-Die Forging: Deforming metal between flat dies without pre-cut profiles.
- Press Forging: Using slow, continuous pressure to shape the metal.
- Cold Forging: Forging process done at ambient temperatures. Reduced ability to make cross sectional changes to the starting shape.
Anchor Harvey specializes in closed-die aluminum forging, where heated metal is shaped within enclosed dies under high pressure to produce precise, high-strength components.
Anchor Harvey forges precision aluminum components for aerospace, medical, motorsports, automotive, archery, electric vehicles, fire suppression, defense, heavy equipment, construction, specialty markets, and machine shops.
Forged components outperform cast or machined parts in strength, fatigue resistance, and structural integrity. These qualities make them ideal for high-load and demanding environments. Forgings also offer a superior surface finish.
Forging refines the grain structure of metal, improving strength, toughness, and fatigue resistance. Forgings are porosity-free. It also eliminates internal voids (porosity), enhancing overall durability and reliability.
Unlike extrusion, which forces metal through a die to create fixed cross-sections, forging aligns the grain flow of the metal, resulting in superior strength and fatigue resistance. Forging can generate complex geometry vs. the linear geometry limitations of extrusions.
Open-die forging is a metal shaping process where a heated metal workpiece is placed between flat or simple-shaped dies and deformed through repeated blows or pressure, without fully enclosing the material. Closed-die forging encloses the metal in shaped dies, enabling more complex and precise geometries.
Anchor Harvey primarily forges aluminum alloys, including:
- 2000 Series (e.g., 2014-T6, 2014-T651)
- 6000 Series (e.g., 6061-T6, 6061-T651)
- 7000 Series (e.g., 7075-T6, 7075-T651)
- We also offer forged magnesium, brass, and copper solutions.
Regular aluminum refers to a material that may be cast or extruded. Forged aluminum undergoes compressive deformation, resulting in stronger, more durable components with refined grain structure and improved mechanical performance.
Anchor Harvey uses a variety of grades from the 2000, 6000, and 7000 series of aluminum, each offering different strengths, machinability, and corrosion resistance properties suited to different industries.
Anchor Harvey serves key U.S. manufacturing industries, including aerospace, specialty automotive, motorsports, heavy equipment & construction, agriculture, fluid power, energy, medical, automation/robotics, and specialty OEMs.
The best forging method depends on material, geometry, tolerances, and intended use. Anchor Harvey’s engineering team can assist with selecting the most suitable forging process for your application.
The Anchor Harvey forge mark represents the company’s commitment to precision, quality, and performance in forged aluminum components. Anchor Harvey’s ‘Split A’ is a symbol of trust built over a century of forging expertise.
Anchor Harvey uses a range of screw and mechanical presses, including:
- 5,500-ton screw presses (x2)
- 4,100-ton screw press
- 2,100-ton screw press
- 1,600-ton mechanical press
- 1,300-ton mechanical press
Anchor Harvey offers in-house tool and die manufacturing using advanced CNC machining and high-performance tool steels. This improves die life, allows for custom tooling, and shortens lead times.
Yes, Anchor Harvey provides end-to-end engineering support, from initial concept to production. Services include CAD design, 3D modeling and printing, forge simulation, and process optimization.
Their forging presses can handle parts from a few ounces to 50 lbs. Press capacities range up to 5,500 tons, accommodating a wide variety of sizes and complexities.
Anchor Harvey can forge parts up to 36 inches in length or width, depending on geometry and weight, which can range from ounces to 50 lbs.
We specialize in aluminum alloys from the 2000, 6000, and 7000 series and offer forged magnesium solutions for applications requiring extreme lightweight performance.
Forged magnesium offers an outstanding strength-to-weight ratio and is ideal for high-performance, lightweight applications in industries like aerospace, automotive, and defense.
Anchor Harvey is CQI-9 certified and performs in-house heat treatment to achieve specific Tempers and mechanical properties based on alloy and end-use requirements.
By refining grain structure and eliminating porosity, their forging process produces high-strength components with smaller cross section, and reduced weight, which is ideal for industries demanding performance and efficiency.
High-quality forged parts have consistent grain flow, precise tolerances, no internal voids, superior surface finish, and meet specified mechanical properties through stringent process controls and testing.
Forging compresses and aligns metal grains, improving tensile strength, fatigue resistance, and structural integrity over other manufacturing methods like casting or machining.
We use real-time process monitoring, quality audits, advanced inspection equipment, and certifications like AS9100 and ISO 9001 to ensure consistent part quality.
Yes, we monitor every step of the forging process in real time to ensure precision, consistency, and conformity from the first part to high-volume production runs.
Certifications ensure adherence to industry standards for quality, traceability, and process control, giving customers confidence in the consistency and safety of the final product.
Anchor Harvey is certified to:
- AS9100 (aerospace quality management)
- ISO 9001 (general quality systems)
- CQI-9 (heat treat compliance)
- ITAR (defense compliance)
Yes, certifications like ISO 9001 and AS9100 are internationally recognized, supporting global customer requirements and supply chain integration.
We require process standardization, documented quality controls, periodic audits, and continuous improvement—all of which maintain product quality and customer satisfaction.
Anchor Harvey undergoes regular external audits and internal reviews to maintain certification status and improve systems and practices.
Components are inspected using full PPAP processes, 3D scanning, CMM layouts, and other dimensional verification methods to ensure conformity with design specifications.
Anchor Harvey offers complete turnkey services, including forging, heat treating, CNC machining, assembly, inspection, and supply chain management. We also assist with packaging and final part delivery.
CNC (Computer Numerical Control) machining is a manufacturing process where pre-programmed computer software dictates the movement of factory tools and machinery. This process allows for precise control over complex machinery, enabling the production of intricate and consistent parts.
The CNC machining process involves designing a part using CAD software, converting the design into a CNC program, and then using CNC machines to remove material from a workpiece to create the desired shape. This process ensures high precision and repeatability in manufacturing.
Unlike traditional manual machining, CNC machining is automated and controlled by computer programs. This automation allows for greater precision, consistency, and efficiency, especially in complex or high-volume production scenarios.
CNC stands for Computer Numerical Control, referring to the automated control of machining tools using a computer executing pre-programmed sequences of machine control commands.
CNC machining is a form of precision machining. While precision machining refers to the process of removing material to achieve exact specifications, CNC machining achieves this precision through computer-controlled automation.
When selecting a CNC machining supplier, consider their experience, range of equipment, quality control processes, certifications (such as ISO 9001 and AS9100), and their ability to handle your specific project requirements from prototyping to full-scale production.
Anchor Harvey primarily focuses on Gray and Ductile Iron, Austempered Ductile Iron, Aluminum, Steel, Stainless Steels, and specialty materials, including Inconel, Titanium, and hardened metals up to 60RC. They also have capabilities to machine other metals, depending on the project requirements. Anchor Harvey can machine these materials from various forms, such as Castings, Forgings, Extrusions, Plate, and more.
Anchor Harvey’s CNC machining process achieves tight tolerances, with true position, cylindricity, and parallelism held to 15µ. They maintain key dimensions at 1.67 Ppk, ensuring high reliability and precision in their components.
CNC machining is ideal for components requiring high precision and complex geometries, such as aerospace parts, automotive components, medical devices, and custom prototypes.
CNC machining is versatile and can be used for both prototyping and mass production. Anchor Harvey is equipped to handle projects ranging from single prototypes to high-volume production runs.
While CNC machining offers high precision and versatility, it may have limitations in terms of material waste, cost for low-volume production, and complexity of certain geometries that might be better suited for other manufacturing processes.
Preparing a design for CNC machining involves creating a detailed CAD model, specifying material requirements, tolerances, and surface finishes. Collaborating with Anchor Harvey’s engineering team can help optimize the design for manufacturability.
While knowledge of CAD/CAM software is beneficial, it’s not mandatory. Anchor Harvey’s engineering team can assist in translating your concepts into manufacturable designs using their in-house expertise and software tools.
Production timelines for CNC machining vary based on the complexity and volume of the project. Anchor Harvey’s streamlined processes and multiple facilities enable them to offer competitive lead times, from rapid prototyping to full-scale production.
Anchor Harvey’s CNC machining facilities are located nationwide, with facilities in Schaumburg, IL, Union, IL, and Greenwood, Arkansas.
Anchor Harvey’s CNC facility is equipped to handle both high-volume production and smaller, custom runs. With advanced multi-axis CNC machines and automated systems, it delivers consistent precision and fast turnaround times.
Anchor Harvey welcomes prospective customers and partners to tour their facilities. Tours can be scheduled by contacting their team directly to ensure availability and coordination with safety protocols.
Supply Chain
Supply chain management involves the oversight and coordination of all activities involved in sourcing, producing, inspecting, and delivering components or finished products to customers. This includes owning all quality.
Anchor Harvey offers end-to-end supply chain solutions, including domestic and global material procurement, post-forge machining, finishing services, destructive testing, non-destructive testing, materials analysis, plating, coating, anodizing, and flexible shipping all managed under one integrated system. Our sourcing expertise and long-term vendor relationships ensure efficiency, quality, and on-time delivery.
Anchor Harvey proactively solves supply chain challenges before they occur, offering strategic sourcing from North America, Mexico, and China, and scalable support from prototyping through high-volume production.
Yes, Anchor Harvey procures aluminum alloys (2000, 6000, 7000 series), ductile iron, and steel from trusted domestic and global partners to ensure consistent quality and reliable delivery.
Anchor Harvey sources aerospace-grade 2000, 6000, and 7000 series aluminum, as well as steel and ductile iron for machining projects, balancing performance needs with cost-effective sourcing.
Yes, Anchor Harvey provides in-house assembly and inspection services. Their capabilities include detailed quality control checks, CMM inspections, 3D scanning, and final component verification.
Post-forging services include:
- Precision CNC machining (milling, turning, grinding, EDM, drilling)
- In-house heat treating
- Anodizing
- Plating and coating
- Assembly
- Dimensional inspection
- Packaging and shipping
Anodizing is an electrochemical process that converts the surface of aluminum into a durable, corrosion-resistant oxide finish. It enhances surface hardness, colorability, and wear resistance.
Plating and coating are finishing processes applied to forged parts to enhance appearance, corrosion resistance, conductivity, or surface properties. These may include nickel, zinc, or other protective layers.
Heat treatment involves heating and cooling metal to alter its physical and mechanical properties without changing its shape. It is used to increase strength, hardness, or ductility based on the alloy and application.
Selection depends on the intended use, required properties, and environmental conditions of the part. Anchor Harvey’s team can guide you through the decision based on strength, corrosion resistance, finish, and functional performance.
Anchor Harvey offers flexible shipping options, including LTL, FTL, and international freight coordination. We manage packaging and logistics to ensure secure, on-time delivery.
Reshoring manufacturing to the U.S. offers reduced lead times, improved communication, increased quality oversight, and more reliable delivery. It also mitigates risks from global supply chain disruptions.
Working with a U.S.-based supply chain provider like Anchor Harvey ensures faster turnaround times, easier collaboration, better quality control, and reduced shipping costs and risks.
Anchor Harvey’s offshore quality process combines on-site expertise, comprehensive oversight, and rigorous quality control. Each plant is staffed with a dedicated Anchor Harvey engineer, production manager, and quality assurance specialist to ensure precision and accountability at every step. Regular engineering reviews are conducted with U.S., offshore, and customer quality teams, providing thorough oversight and alignment across all parties. Before any parts are shipped, the U.S. quality team meticulously reviews PPAP reports, inspection reports, and certifications to guarantee compliance, consistency, and the highest standards of quality.
