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.
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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:Â 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.Â
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.Â
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.Â
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.
Anchor Harvey provides in-house inspection services that include dimensional validation, visual inspection, and quality verification of forged aluminum components. The company uses precision measurement equipment such as CMMs to ensure parts meet customer specifications under their AS9100D and ISO 9001:2015 certified quality management system. In addition, Anchor Harvey performs Liquid Penetrant Inspection, hardness testing, and heat-treat verification to confirm material integrity, mechanical properties, and compliance with customer and industry requirements.
Dimensional accuracy is verified through CMM inspection, calibrated gauges, and comparative measurement tools that measure features against engineering drawings and tolerances. Anchor Harvey’s quality framework ensures measurements are consistent, traceable, and compliant with customer and regulatory requirements.
Anchor Harvey utilizes Fluorescent Penetrant Inspection as part of its non-destructive testing capabilities to help identify surface defects in aluminum forgings. Additional NDT services can be coordinated through approved suppliers when required for specific customer applications.
Yes. Anchor Harvey provides value-added assembly services that include installing mechanical inserts and performing other finishing steps that prepare forged aluminum components for downstream manufacturing processes.
Expander plug insertion is a process in which a metal expansion plug is installed into a machined hole to seal internal passages or create a pressure-tight closure. Anchor Harvey performs this service when required by customer specifications as part of its assembly capabilities.
Heli coil insertion involves installing a helical threaded insert into a tapped hole to create a more durable internal thread. This method is used when stronger thread performance is needed in aluminum components or when repeated fastening is expected. Anchor Harvey provides heli coil insertion based on customer requirements.
SAE plug insertion refers to installing a standardized SAE plug used to seal ports or passages in accordance with SAE dimensional standards. These plugs are common in automotive, industrial, and hydraulic systems, and Anchor Harvey performs this service when specified in customer engineering requirements.
Anchor Harvey supports motor sport, machine shops, aerospace, defense, automotive, electric vehicle, industrial, medical, and recreational equipment markets with precision forging, inspection, and assembly services. Their capabilities are aligned with industries that require high-integrity aluminum components.
Anchor Harvey’s forging facility is located in Freeport, Illinois, where the company conducts forging, heat treating, machining, assembly, and inspection operations. In addition to its Freeport facility, Anchor Harvey also operates locations in Schaumburg, Illinois; Union, Illinois; and Greenwood, Arkansas, which support various aspects of the company’s operations. When necessary, Anchor Harvey can source materials from its global supply chain for forging operations.
The Freeport facility operates as a high-volume, vertically integrated aluminum forging operation within 100,000 square feet of dedicated forging space. The operation runs 24 hours a day with redundancy provided by 5500-, 4100-, and 2100-ton screw presses, alongside 1600-, 1300-, and 1000-ton mechanical presses. The facility is equipped with modern automation, heat treating, machining, and inspection systems to support a wide range of production requirements. Customers can request additional capacity details directly from the company based on project needs.
Yes. Anchor Harvey offers facility tours by appointment for customers, partners, and organizations evaluating its manufacturing capabilities. Interested parties can contact the company through its website or a sales representative to schedule a visit.
Anchor Harvey uses a range of CNC machining equipment, including more than 130 CNC machines that support precision machining of forged aluminum components. Their capabilities include 3, 4, and 5-axis mills; horizontal and vertical machining centers; single- and dual-spindle live-tool lathes; Swiss lathes; vertical turning centers; and multi-spindle mill-turn machines. This equipment is selected to meet the dimensional, tolerance, and surface finish requirements specified by customers across aerospace, defense, automotive, and industrial markets.
The right CNC machine depends on factors such as part geometry, tolerance requirements, material, production volume, and machining features like pockets, threads, or contours. Anchor Harvey’s engineering team evaluates project specifications and recommends the most suitable machining approach to ensure manufacturability, accuracy, and cost efficiency.
Anchor Harvey provides engineering support that includes design for manufacturability, process planning, material selection guidance, and review of part geometry to optimize forging and machining outcomes. Their engineering team works closely with customers to ensure parts meet performance, quality, and cost objectives.
Yes. Anchor Harvey supports high-volume production through vertically integrated forging and machining capabilities, automated processes, and modern equipment designed for repeatability and throughput. Their operations accommodate ongoing production programs as well as large-scale, recurring manufacturing needs. In addition, Anchor Harvey specializes in low-to-mid volume, high-mix production, providing flexibility for customers that require a wide variety of part configurations with consistent quality and process control.
Thermal deburring is a finishing process that removes burrs from hard-to-reach internal or external features using a controlled thermal reaction. The process helps improve part cleanliness, functionality, and assembly performance. Anchor Harvey offers thermal deburring for forged and machined aluminum components when specified by customers.
Anchor Harvey offers milling as part of its CNC machining capabilities. Welding and saw cutting are available as additional value-added services and can be incorporated into customer projects to support complete component manufacturing and finishing requirements.
High-quality CNC machining is characterized by accurate dimensional tolerances, smooth surface finishes, consistent repeatability, and clean edges free of burrs or tool marks. Additional indicators include traceable inspection data, proper material certifications, and adherence to customer specifications and industry standards.
Quality is ensured through CMM inspection, calibrated measurement tools, controlled machining processes, material traceability, and adherence to Anchor Harvey’s AS9100D and ISO 9001:2015 certified quality management system. Each step is designed to maintain accuracy, consistency, and compliance with engineering requirements.
Anchor Harvey uses documented process controls, in-process inspection, final dimensional verification, equipment calibration, material traceability, and quality system audits to maintain control over CNC machining operations. These measures ensure parts meet defined tolerances and industry expectations.
Testing may include dimensional inspection using CMMs, visual inspection, surface evaluation, and, when required, non-destructive testing such as fluorescent penetrant inspection. Additional testing can be coordinated through approved suppliers based on customer requirements.
Material procurement ensures that the aluminum used for forging and machining meets mechanical, chemical, and compliance specifications. Proper procurement supports consistent machining performance, part reliability, and traceability throughout the manufacturing process.
Six Sigma is a methodology focused on reducing defects and improving process capability through data-driven analysis. Statistical Process Control is a technique that monitors variation in manufacturing processes using statistical methods. Together, they support continuous improvement and higher precision in machining.
Anchor Harvey uses an industrial parts-washing process designed to remove machining oils, debris, and contaminants from finished components. Clean parts support accurate inspection and prepare components for downstream coating, assembly, or packaging requirements.
CNC machining operations follow the requirements of Anchor Harvey’s AS9100D and ISO 9001:2015 certifications, which define quality management standards for aerospace and general manufacturing. These standards ensure documented processes, traceability, and consistent quality across machining operations.
Certifications demonstrate that a machining operation meets internationally recognized quality management standards. They validate that processes are controlled, documented, audited, and capable of producing parts that meet strict industry requirements.
Anchor Harvey holds AS9100D and ISO 9001:2015 certifications, which apply to its quality management system for forging and machining of aluminum components. The company also complies with CQI-9 heat treat system requirements, is certified through NSF-ISR, and operates in accordance with ITAR regulations. These certifications and compliance standards are widely recognized across aerospace, defense, automotive, and industrial markets.
Anchor Harvey’s AS9100D and ISO 9001:2015 certifications are internationally recognized quality standards. These certifications support global manufacturing compliance and ensure the company meets rigorous international expectations for documentation, traceability, and process control.
Certifications require documented procedures, regular auditing, corrective action processes, and consistent quality controls. They ensure that machining operations follow established best practices, maintain traceability, and meet customer and regulatory requirements.
AS9100D and ISO 9001:2015 require regular external audits as well as internal audits conducted throughout the year. These audits verify continued compliance with quality management standards and support ongoing improvement across machining processes.
Yes. Anchor Harvey offers assembly services such as installing inserts, plugs, and other mechanical components as part of its value-added capabilities. These services support customers who want machined parts delivered in a more complete, ready-for-assembly state.
Yes. Onsite assembly is available for forged and machined components when specified by customers. Anchor Harvey’s assembly operations help streamline supply chains and reduce downstream manufacturing steps.
Inspection may include dimensional verification using CMMs, visual inspection for surface quality, burr checks, and confirmation of critical features based on engineering drawings. Additional inspection steps are applied when required by customer specifications or industry standards.
Compliance is maintained through documented procedures, traceable materials, calibrated equipment, quality management oversight, in-process checks, and adherence to AS9100D and ISO 9001:2015 requirements. These systems ensure machining processes meet regulatory and customer-defined standards.
Defects that can be identified include dimensional deviations, surface irregularities, burrs, tool marks, improper thread formation, and material discontinuities identified through non-destructive testing. Inspection helps ensure only conforming parts move forward in production or assembly.
Process Failure Mode and Effects Analysis is a structured method used to identify potential process-related failures, evaluate their impact, and implement controls to reduce risk. PFMEA supports continuous improvement and helps ensure machining processes produce consistent, high-quality components.
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.
