Gears serve as essential mechanisms in a wide range of mechanical equipment, helping to transmit torque, adjust rotational speeds, transfer power, distribute load and more. Used in necessary applications such as automobiles, energy systems, aerospace and industrial equipment, gears must be able to operate for long periods without maintenance. While gears can be made from a diverse assortment of materials, carbon and alloy steel offer superior benefits in terms of strength, durability and cost efficiency. As a remarkably recyclable material, steel may also be a preferable choice for environmentally conscious manufacturers.

The success of manufacturing critical components, such as ship shafts, gears, artillery or adaptor plates/rings, depends on their design and how well that design can be translated into a tangible, cost-effective, high-quality product. This is where Design for Manufacturability (DFM) comes into play. The significance of DFM rests in the forging process's role in creating a robust and resilient supply chain.

Specialty forgers can manufacture custom, high-quality, seamless rolled rings in a variety of materials and finishes in as little as eight weeks. Open die forgings and seamless rolled rings are essential components in the wind energy sector, contributing to the overall reliability and efficiency of turbines, generator systems, and transmission and distribution equipment.

The Forging Industry Association’s (FIA) Forge Fair, North America’s largest event dedicated exclusively to the forging industry, returned to the Huntington Convention Center in Cleveland, Ohio, May 23–25, 2023. More than 2,000 forging professionals from across the globe attended Forge Fair to learn about new products, make purchasing decisions, and network with each other. This specialized-industry event offered suppliers and forgers a platform to connect with more qualified potential customers. From material selection to the shipment of finished parts, Forge Fair showcased innovations in heating, tooling, equipment, testing, automation, conservation of resources, process and plant improvements, and technology for all types of forging operations.