Metal forming

(metallurgy) Any manufacturing process by which parts of components are fabricated by shaping or molding a piece of metal stock.

Manufacturing processes by which parts or components are fabricated from metal stock. In the specific technical sense, metal forming involves changing the shape of a piece of metal. In general terms, however, it may be classified roughly into five categories: mechanical working, such as forging, extrusion, rolling, drawing, and various sheet-forming processes; casting; powder and fiber metal forming; electroforming; and joining processes. See also Drawing of metal; Extrusion; Forging; Metal casting; Metal rolling; Powder metallurgy; Sheet-metal forming.