The surface treatment of press forging dies to extend their performance is a technique that has been practiced for many years. Many different methods of surface treatment have been tried with varying degrees of success. Here, we will review surface-modification techniques available to the forging industry and correlate the techniques in tabular form. In addition, technologies not yet fully utilized by forging-die manufacturers are reviewed.

When it comes to aerospace applications, most start thinking of aluminum and its alloys. Steel continues to be used in aerospace applications, however, sometimes as a component and always as die material. Either way, proper thermal treatment is critical to performance in service. Titanium processing is also examined.