When “Off the Shelf” Just Won’t Cut It
Let’s face it—some parts are just too specific, too rugged, or too mission-critical to be pulled from a catalog like you’re ordering printer paper. That’s where custom forging comes in. If you need a part that can handle serious stress, extreme temperatures, or just straight-up abuse, a casting or a machined billet might not cut it. You need something forged. Custom. And built like a tank.
Here at SanCoSales.com, we specialize in making your unique forging needs a reality. We’re not a forge shop—we’re your shortcut to the right forge shop. We represent a network of best-in-class forging manufacturers across the U.S. and overseas, ready to produce your parts exactly how you need them.
So whether you’re sourcing a one-off prototype or a full production run of made-to-spec components, SanCo connects the dots and gets your project moving.
🔨 What Is Custom Forging?
In simple terms, forging is the process of shaping metal using compressive force. Instead of pouring molten metal into a mold (like casting), forging uses heat and pressure to physically change the shape of the material—refining its grain structure and improving strength and durability.
When it’s custom forging, that means the part is designed specifically for your application: your shape, your specs, your tolerances. No generic guesswork. No one-size-fits-most. Just high-performance parts that fit your needs like a glove. Forging news here.
🧠 Why Forging? Why Not Just Machine the Thing?
Because forged parts are stronger. Full stop.
Here’s why custom forging is often the best choice:
- Superior mechanical properties — grain flow follows the part shape
- Higher strength-to-weight ratio — great for aerospace, automotive, oil & gas
- Toughness and impact resistance — forged parts can take a beating
- Less material waste — especially compared to hogging out billet
- Repeatability and reliability — once your die is built, parts stay consistent
Need a part that can’t fail? You probably need it forged.
🛠️ Types of Forging SanCo Can Help You Source
We don’t believe in one-size-fits-all. That’s why we rep forging partners across every major forging process. Here’s what we help customers source daily:
🟧 Open Die Forging
- Great for large, heavy parts or low volumes
- Perfect for shafts, bars, blocks, and custom shapes
- No need for expensive tooling
🟩 Closed Die Forging (Impression Die)
- Best for near-net shape parts in higher volumes
- Tight tolerances, high strength, and excellent consistency
- Ideal for aerospace, oilfield, agriculture, and automotive components
🟦 Rolled Ring Forging
- Seamless rings from 3″ to 120″+ diameter
- Used in gear blanks, bearing races, flanges, turbines
🟨 Upset Forging
- Often used for fasteners, shafts, and flanged parts
🔶 Cold Forging
- For high-precision parts with clean surface finishes
- Best for smaller components
Not sure which one you need? That’s why we exist. We’ll match your part and specs with the best process and the right forge.
🏭 What Can Be Made with Custom Forging?
If it needs to be tough, we’ve probably seen it forged. Here’s just a small sample of the forged components we help customers source:
- Drive shafts and axles
- Flanges and couplings
- Connecting rods and spindles
- Hydraulic cylinder components
- Gear blanks
- Mining and oilfield equipment
- Aerospace brackets and mounts
- Custom blocks for machining
We’ve helped source everything from 1-pound aluminum spindles to 3,000-pound steel blocks. If you’ve got specs, we’ve got options. Or are you looking for a casting? We have you covered there too.
📏 Common Materials for Custom Forging
SanCo’s forging partners work with a wide range of materials, including:
- Carbon Steel
- Alloy Steel
- Stainless Steel
- Aluminum
- Brass & Bronze
- Nickel Alloys (Inconel, Monel, etc.)
- Titanium (yes, really — it’s pricey, but we’ve got sources)
Each material has its own sweet spot. If you’re not sure what’s best for your part, we’ll help you select the right metal for strength, corrosion resistance, machinability, and cost.
🚨 Custom Forging Pitfalls to Avoid
We’ve seen a few sourcing headaches over the years. Here’s how to avoid becoming the next horror story:
❌ Mistake 1: Picking the wrong forging process
Open die when you needed closed die? Hello, dimensional chaos.
❌ Mistake 2: No CAD or incomplete drawings
We’re good, but we’re not mind readers. Bring specs or call us early.
❌ Mistake 3: Assuming all forges can do everything
Spoiler alert: They can’t. Some excel at titanium, others specialize in rolled rings. Let us match you with the right one.
❌ Mistake 4: Waiting until the last second to source
Forging lead times aren’t Amazon Prime. Get ahead of your schedule and avoid the panic.
🧭 Domestic or Overseas? Why Not Both?
SanCo has relationships with top-tier forging shops in both the U.S. and internationally.
- Need it fast? Domestic’s your friend.
- Need it cheap? Overseas can save your budget.
- Need both? We have overseas partners that stock inventory here in the U.S., giving you the best of both worlds.
We’ll guide you toward the best fit based on lead time, cost, complexity, and certification needs (ISO, AS9100, etc.).
⏳ Typical Lead Times for Custom Forging
Here’s what you can generally expect:
| Stage | Timeframe |
| Design Review | 1–3 days |
| Tooling (if needed) | 2–4 weeks |
| Sample Parts | 2–3 weeks post-tooling |
| Production Run | 4–8 weeks (rush available) |
Need it faster? Say the word—we’ll see what we can do.
📞 Why Work with SanCo?
Because we don’t just drop your quote into a void and hope for the best. We do the heavy lifting.
- ✅ Fast, accurate quotes from vetted forging partners
- ✅ Honest lead times (no smoke and mirrors)
- ✅ Real humans you can talk to
- ✅ We track your job from RFQ to delivery
- ✅ One contact. One quote. One less headache.
Our goal? Help you source smarter, so you can focus on design, performance, and deadlines—not chasing down suppliers and wondering if your email got read.
📬 Ready to Get a Quote?
If you’re tired of being ignored by suppliers, tired of unclear capabilities, or tired of spinning your wheels trying to find a reliable forging source—you’re in the right place.
👉 Submit your drawing, RFQ, or idea today:
www.SanCoSales.com/contact
We’ll follow up quickly, ask the right questions, and match you with the ideal forging partner for your specific needs.
SanCoSales.com — Where custom forging meets custom service.
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