Guide

Forging Reduction Ratio: How to Choose the Right Ingot Size

How forging reduction ratio relates to ingot size, and a simple method to choose the ingot for a given forged part.

What is forging reduction ratio (the ingot forging ratio)?

The reduction ratio is the starting cross-section area divided by the finished cross-section area. The higher the ratio, the more the cast structure is broken up and the better the soundness and mechanical properties of the forging.

Typical requirement

Many specifications ask for a minimum reduction, commonly three to one or higher for critical parts, but the number is set by the customer specification or code. Follow your specification, not a rule of thumb.

A method to choose the ingot

Start from the finished part and add machining allowance to get the forged weight. Add the head and bottom crop, and scale loss, to get the required ingot body weight. Pick the ingot mark that gives that weight and the reduction you need on the cross-section.

Check the numbers with the supplier

Send your finished drawing or forged weight, grade and reduction requirement to Kesari Alloys. We can confirm which ingot size fits, and whether a heavier ingot or a different shape would give a better yield.

Related guides

Forging ingot size chart · Steel grade directory