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.