Which statement best defines forging?

• A. Deforming a single piece of a metal, usually hot, by successive blows or by continuous squeezing
• B. Heating and quenching to improve hardness
• C. Casting molten metal into a mold
• D. Combining two pieces by mechanical fasteners

Answer: (A)

Forging is shaping metal by plastic deformation of a single workpiece, usually performed hot so the metal can flow under applied force. It involves striking with a hammer or pressing with a ram or continuous squeeze to reshape the blank, keeping it as one piece throughout. This deformation and flow of the material—often at high temperature—distinguishes forging from other metal-working methods and often leads to a grain structure that follows the final shape, enhancing strength.

The described idea matches forging because it emphasizes deforming one piece by blows or squeezing. In contrast, heating and quenching to harden a material is heat treatment, not forming; casting involves pouring molten metal into a mold to take shape; and joining with fasteners creates an assembly from multiple parts.