Forged blocks and plates up to 50 tonnes
Forged blocks, plates and square sections with a defined reduction ratio — the basis for tools, moulds and large components.
A forged block is more than a sawn piece of steel. Open-die forging breaks up the as-cast structure of the stock, closes shrinkage cavities and porosity, and refines the grain. The reduction ratio achieved is the key figure: it determines how homogeneous the block is right through to the core — and whether it will survive later machining and heat treatment.
We supply blocks, plates and square sections from 50 kg to 50 tonnes in tool, quenched and tempered and stainless steels. On request turned or milled on all faces, stress relieved, and ultrasonically tested through the full volume. For mould and die makers we supply blocks machined to final size with a documented hardness distribution.
Technical data
| Piece weight | 50 kg – 50 t |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | up to 4,000 × 2,000 × 1,000 mm |
| Process | Open-die forging from ingot or continuously cast stock |
| Reduction ratio | minimum 3:1, typically 4:1 to 6:1 |
| Surface | As-forged, turned, milled or ground |
| Heat treatment | Normalising, quenching and tempering, stress relieving |
| Testing | UT to EN 10228-3, hardness testing on a defined grid |
These are typical manufacturing ranges within our supplier network. Larger dimensions and special materials on request — send us your drawing.
Materials
- S355J2+N (1.0577)
- 42CrMo4 (1.7225)
- 1.2311 (40CrMnMo7)
- 1.2738 (40CrMnNiMo8-6-4)
- 1.2312 / 1.2344
- 1.4571 / 316Ti
Manufacturing and quality assurance
- Stock selection driven by target size: continuously cast formats for smaller blocks, ingots for high reduction ratios and large cross-sections.
- Forging with a documented reduction ratio — we state the achieved value in the certificate rather than promising it without evidence.
- Stress relieving before machining so the block stays dimensionally stable in your shop.
- Ultrasonic testing to EN 10228-3 through the full volume, acceptance class as agreed.
- Hardness measurement on a defined grid across length and cross-section, documented in the test certificate.
Typical applications
- Mould and die making (plastic moulds, forging dies)
- Press and machine frames
- Large bearing and housing components
- Stock material for machining shops
- Pressure vessel and process equipment
- Mining and crushing equipment
Frequently asked questions
Why a forged block instead of a sawn section?
Continuously cast material has a coarse as-cast structure with residual porosity in the core. Open-die forging breaks that structure up, closes the pores and refines the grain. In large cross-sections and in tool steels, that is the difference between a part that holds and one that fails from the inside.
What reduction ratio do your blocks reach?
Minimum 3:1, typically 4:1 to 6:1. The value actually achieved is stated in the certificate. For safety-critical applications we agree the required ratio with you up front.
Do you supply blocks machined to final size?
Yes. From an as-forged contour through turned or milled on all faces to ground tool blocks at final size with tight tolerances and a documented hardness distribution.
What sizes are possible?
Up to 4,000 × 2,000 × 1,000 mm and 50 tonnes per piece. Larger dimensions are assessed case by case — the limit is usually press capacity and available ingot weight.
What is the lead time?
Pre-machined, typically 8 weeks from release. Longer for ingot production with a high reduction ratio and extensive heat treatment. Grades from our stock programme shorten the lead time.
Request a quote for Forged blocks
Send us your drawing or specification. You get feedback on feasibility, material selection and an indicative price — from engineers, not from a call centre.
Send enquiry