Radial Forging Machines Market By Machine Type (Hydraulic, Mechanical, Hybrid CNC); By Application (Shafts & Axles, Hollow Tube Components, Gun Barrels, Custom Forgings); By Material Forged (Steel Alloys, Titanium & Nickel Alloys, Aluminum Alloys); By End-Use Industry (Aerospace & Defense, Automotive, Oil & Gas, Heavy Machinery); By Geography, Segment Revenue Estimation, Forecast, 2024–2030

Introduction And Strategic Context

The Global Radial Forging Machines Market is on track to grow at a CAGR of 5.8% between 2024 and 2030. Valued at around USD 496 million in 2024 , it’s projected to reach USD 695 million by 2030 , based on Strategic Market Research’s internal modeling.

 

Radial forging machines are heavy-duty mechanical systems designed to plastically deform metal bars, tubes, or blanks into high-performance components. Unlike conventional longitudinal forging, radial systems apply force from multiple directions simultaneously — usually from four hydraulic or mechanical hammers — which enhances grain structure, dimensional accuracy, and surface finish. The result is a stronger, more uniform part with minimal material waste.

 

This market sits at the intersection of advanced manufacturing, metallurgy, and heavy industrial engineering . Its relevance is rising, especially as OEMs across sectors like aerospace, automotive, energy, and defense seek better material integrity for mission-critical parts. Demand is particularly strong for forged shafts, axles, gun barrels, turbine blades, and drill collars — all components where stress tolerance and fatigue resistance matter.

 

Several macro factors are now converging:

• Lightweighting and material efficiency are top priorities in the automotive and aerospace sectors. Radial forging enables near-net-shape production of complex geometries using high-strength alloys — helping manufacturers reduce post-processing and scrap rates.

• There’s a global push for domestic manufacturing of defense and heavy equipment components, particularly in India, Turkey, and parts of Southeast Asia. Radial forging lines are being considered strategic investments in these localization efforts.

• The energy sector — especially oil & gas and wind — relies heavily on forged parts for both downhole and rotating equipment. With a rebound in capital projects and capacity expansions in the Middle East and North America, machine orders are picking up.

At the same time, sustainability pressures are reshaping the way forgers operate. Traditional high-emission open-die methods are giving way to closed-loop, more energy-efficient radial forging systems. This is especially visible in Europe, where carbon regulations are forcing smaller forgers to modernize or shut down.

 

The stakeholder landscape includes OEMs like Schuler Group, SMS Group, and Lasco Umformtechnik , as well as component suppliers, tier-1 manufacturers, forging job shops, EPC contractors , and increasingly, government buyers . There’s also growing involvement from automation integrators , as the shift toward semi- and fully automated radial forging lines is accelerating — especially in high-wage regions.

 

Market Segmentation And Forecast Scope

The radial forging machines market breaks down along a few clear lines — mostly around machine type, application domain, forging material, and end-use industry . These segments help illustrate where growth is coming from and how adoption is shifting across manufacturing verticals.

By Machine Type

• Hydraulic Radial Forging Machines
  The dominant format globally. These use hydraulic cylinders to drive multiple dies inward around a rotating workpiece . Their ability to handle large diameters and long strokes makes them ideal for aerospace shafts, gun barrels, and wind turbine parts. Hydraulic systems accounted for nearly 63% of market revenue in 2024 , largely due to their versatility and ability to forge heat-resistant alloys.

• Mechanical Radial Forging Machines
  Driven by crankshafts or servo motors, mechanical versions offer higher forging speeds but typically handle smaller cross-sections. They’re preferred in high-volume automotive and tool manufacturing setups.

• Hybrid CNC-Integrated Machines
  A smaller but fast-growing segment. These systems combine servo control, PLC automation, and live feedback loops to improve dimensional repeatability. Adoption is rising in Japan, Germany, and the U.S., where skilled labor shortages demand more operator-independent systems.

 

By Application

• Axles and Shafts
  The largest application — spanning everything from powertrain components in trucks to aircraft landing gear and wind turbine shafts.

• Hollow Tube Components
  Used heavily in oilfield services and nuclear energy, radial forging can reduce wall thickness while maintaining strength, ideal for pressure-rated tubing.

• Gun Barrels and Defense Components
  Defense ministries worldwide are modernizing barrel production through radial forging due to its strength and tight tolerance capabilities.

• Custom Open-Die Components
  This includes short-run, custom-shaped forgings for niche machinery or repair markets — a growing demand in MRO-heavy sectors.

 

By Material Forged

• Steel Alloys (Carbon, Alloy, Stainless )
  Still dominate. Whether it's marine shafts, locomotive parts, or gas turbine components, steel is central to radial forging.

• Titanium and Nickel Alloys
  These are gaining ground — especially in aerospace and medical sectors — due to their high strength-to-weight ratio. Titanium forging via radial processes has grown rapidly since 2021.

• Aluminum Alloys
  Used selectively, mostly in auto and electric vehicle sectors where lightweighting matters.

 

By End-Use Industry

• Aerospace & Defense
  Forgings for engine shafts, landing gear, missiles, and gun barrels are all transitioning to radial methods for better fatigue life.

• Automotive & Commercial Vehicles
  CV drive axles and crankshafts are now forged in medium-capacity radial systems in Asia and parts of Eastern Europe.

• Oil & Gas / Energy
  Drill collars, subsea components, and rotors are large-volume radial forging use cases. Also includes forged components for nuclear power equipment.

• Heavy Machinery and Construction Equipment
  Forgings for gearboxes, tracks, and engine components are a growing market — particularly in India and China.

 

By Region

• North America and Europe dominate in high-precision and automated radial forging installations.

• Asia Pacific is the volume leader, especially in China, South Korea, and India — driven by defense expansion and infrastructure projects.

• LAMEA (Latin America, Middle East, and Africa) remains a frontier market, though selective investments are emerging in Saudi Arabia and Brazil.
   

Scope Note: Unlike many forging markets, this one is more capex-sensitive than volume-sensitive. A single new radial forging line can be a multimillion-dollar order. So, tracking growth here is less about units sold — and more about where new capacity is being planned or modernized.

 

Market Trends And Innovation Landscape

The radial forging machines market isn’t just evolving — it’s recalibrating. What was once a niche segment reserved for legacy military and aerospace forgers is now opening up to wider industrial demand. The real momentum is coming from automation, hybrid machine control, alloy compatibility, and digital tooling — all reshaping how these massive machines are specified, sold, and used.

Closed-Loop Control Systems Are Now Standard, Not Optional
New-generation radial forging machines are increasingly outfitted with closed-loop CNC and real-time force monitoring . This isn't just a productivity play — it's a precision shift. Operators can now control tonnage, die impact velocity, and material deformation with millisecond feedback.

One senior engineer at a German OEM mentioned that their rejection rate dropped by 40% after shifting to a servo-hydraulic radial forge line. These systems also reduce dependence on experienced operators — which matters, given the shrinking skilled workforce in forging shops.

 

Digital Twin Integration and Pre-Process Simulation
With large-scale forgings, there's no room for trial and error. Makers are now investing in digital twin platforms that simulate forging parameters and die wear before actual runs. This is particularly useful for expensive materials like titanium and Inconel.

Software modules now integrate with SCADA and MES systems — enabling predictive maintenance, die life tracking, and real-time productivity dashboards . The goal? Fewer surprises, lower downtime, and tighter tolerances.

 

Modular Die-Change Systems for Small-Batch Agility
Radial forging was traditionally suited to large, repetitive production. Not anymore. To serve the growing demand for smaller batch sizes , vendors are developing modular die assemblies and quick-change tooling systems .

This is especially relevant for aerospace MRO shops and advanced weapon component producers, where volume is low but spec tolerance is extremely high. It also opens the door for contract forging houses to serve more industries without massive downtime between jobs.

 

Forging of Exotic and Heat-Resistant Alloys
A major trend is the ability to forge newer, harder materials — superalloys , duplex stainless steel, and titanium-based mixes — without compromising part integrity. Traditional open-die forging often falls short here due to uneven temperature retention and stress concentrations.

Radial systems, with their multi-directional impact and faster cycle times , are being tailored with enhanced cooling circuits, high-force servo dies, and smart bar centering tech to manage these metallurgical challenges.

 

Collaborative R&D Between OEMs and Research Institutes
Several machine builders are now collaborating with national labs, defense departments, and metallurgical research centers to push radial forging into new use cases — including railway axles, EV motor shafts, and nuclear containment parts .

For example, a Japanese machine builder partnered with a university lab to co-develop a radial forging system capable of forming forged composite parts — still in early-stage testing, but a sign of what’s next.

 

Automated Feeding and Unloading Systems Are Gaining Steam
With higher throughput targets and safety concerns, more facilities are adopting robot-assisted bar feeding systems and automated part ejectors . These setups reduce cycle time and eliminate human exposure to hot, high-pressure zones. It’s a necessary move — especially in high-cost regions like the EU, South Korea, and the U.S.

Bottom line: The innovation in this space isn't flashy — but it’s strategic. Radial forging machines are becoming smarter, more alloy-flexible, and easier to scale . As one manufacturing CTO said bluntly: “We don’t need 100 machines. We need 5 that don’t screw up.”

 

Competitive Intelligence And Benchmarking

The radial forging machines market is concentrated — but fiercely competitive. A handful of European and East Asian OEMs dominate the landscape, but their strategies are diverging sharply based on automation depth, material compatibility, and target industries. What’s notable isn’t just who’s winning — it’s how they’re aligning with end-user priorities like lower downtime, tighter tolerances, and reduced operator dependency.

SMS Group
Germany-based SMS Group remains one of the most trusted names in industrial forging, with a deep portfolio of radial forging lines for aerospace, oil & gas, and heavy automotive. Their machines are known for high deformation forces, full automation, and integration into large forging cells. SMS often targets major EPC contractors and nationalized defense industries.

Their latest offerings feature adaptive process control and modular machine frames , designed for faster installation and higher energy efficiency — a key advantage in Europe, where power costs and regulatory standards are climbing.

 

Schuler Group
Another heavyweight from Germany, Schuler brings significant pedigree in forming technologies. They’ve expanded their radial forging capabilities through smart press integration , making their machines well-suited for Tier-1 suppliers in high-volume automotive and rail sectors.

Their edge lies in fast changeover designs and tool condition monitoring software , which help customers reduce downtime and material waste. Schuler’s footprint is strongest in Western Europe, but it's actively expanding in North America through technical service partnerships.

 

Lasco Umformtechnik
Lasco leans heavily into customization and niche forging applications . Their radial systems are often built-to-spec for medium-sized forging shops handling diverse geometries. What sets them apart is their multi-axis control architecture that allows for non-symmetric part formation — useful in applications like medical implants and hybrid drives.

They’ve recently focused on energy-efficient hydraulics and cloud-based diagnostics , giving them an edge in facilities with tight space and sustainability constraints.

 

Farinia Group ( Setforge Technologies )
This French forging group isn’t a pure machine OEM — but they’re shaping the market by being one of the most advanced adopters of radial forging in Europe. Their in-house R&D around die geometry and digital process simulation has given them benchmark status among defense and aerospace buyers.

In fact, some radial forging machine OEMs now co-develop with Setforge to refine machine capabilities based on field results.

 

Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI )
MHI brings Japanese precision to radial forging. They focus on nuclear, marine, and aerospace forgings , with a strong client base across Southeast Asia. Their latest machines feature servo- hydraulic dies, AI-driven parameter tuning , and advanced cooling controls for forging high-performance alloys.

While MHI doesn’t produce machines in high volume, their systems are considered gold standard for high-stress, high-cost components like naval shafts and jet engine parts.

 

Tianjin Tianduan Press Co., Ltd.
Among the few competitive players from China, Tianduan offers cost-competitive radial forging systems primarily to domestic automotive and industrial equipment markets. Their machines tend to be simpler in design but scalable , making them attractive in developing markets like India, Vietnam, and the Middle East.

They’re investing in AI-light process automation and remote diagnostics , aiming to bridge the performance gap with Western OEMs at a lower price point.

 

Market Positioning Snapshot:

Company	Key Differentiator	Primary Regions	Focus Segments
SMS Group	High-force + turnkey systems	Europe, Middle East	Aerospace, oil & gas
Schuler	Fast tooling + automation	EU, US	Automotive, rail
Lasco	Custom geometries	Europe, APAC	Tooling, medical
MHI	Alloy-grade precision	Japan, SEA	Defense, marine
Tianduan	Affordable scale-up	China, India	Heavy equipment, auto
Farinia / Setforge	Process innovation leader	France, EU	Aerospace R&D

 

Regional Landscape And Adoption Outlook

Regional adoption of radial forging machines is uneven — and that’s not just a function of industrial capacity. It reflects a mix of defense priorities, OEM clustering, labor economics, and alloy usage maturity . While Europe and North America lead in high-spec precision installations, the real action is shifting toward Asia Pacific , where demand is scaling fastest across both public and private sectors.

North America
The U.S. continues to be a stronghold for radial forging — particularly for aerospace, naval, and defense . Major players like Raytheon, Lockheed Martin, and Boeing rely on forged titanium and superalloy components, which feed demand for high-tonnage radial lines. The region is also seeing growing investment in wind energy and oilfield services , driving need for forged drive shafts and drill collars.

That said, the number of new machine installations is modest. Instead, retrofitting and automation upgrades dominate procurement cycles. Aging machines from the 1990s are being outfitted with servo controls, CNC upgrades, and closed-loop monitoring , particularly in Midwest and Gulf Coast facilities.

One Ohio-based forging executive noted: “We don’t need new floorspace — we need smarter machines doing more in the same footprint.”

 

Europe
Europe remains the global innovation hub for radial forging — not just in terms of OEMs (SMS, Schuler, Lasco ), but also in process standardization, low-carbon forging, and cross-industry integration . Countries like Germany and France treat forging as a strategic manufacturing backbone, especially for defense and rail.

EU industrial policy is nudging older forgers toward low-emission, energy-efficient systems — pushing demand for electric servo-hydraulic machines and digital twins. In Eastern Europe, especially Poland and the Czech Republic, mid-tier forging shops are now expanding to serve EV and battery industries.

France is notable for its military barrel and naval shaft forging modernization programs , while Germany continues to lead in aerospace-grade alloy forging for engine manufacturers.

 

Asia Pacific
Without a doubt, Asia Pacific is the growth engine . China alone accounts for the largest volume of machine installations — not necessarily the most advanced systems, but cost-efficient, high-throughput lines serving rail, construction equipment, and general engineering sectors.

India is emerging fast. As part of its “Make in India” push, the government is channeling defense and energy capex into localized component manufacturing , including naval propellers, missile tubes, and aircraft parts. This has triggered several radial forging line orders by public sector units and private defense suppliers.

Japan and South Korea, meanwhile, remain highly specialized. Their focus is on high-tolerance machines for titanium and nickel alloy forgings, typically used in aerospace and medical devices. These markets also favor automated, digitally controlled machines — with low labor dependency and high repeatability.
 

LAMEA (Latin America, Middle East & Africa )
Adoption here is more fragmented. Brazil and Mexico have a small number of radial forging installations, primarily for oil & gas and heavy automotive components. Investments tend to be opportunistic, often triggered by new mining or industrial megaprojects.

The Middle East is more interesting. Saudi Arabia and the UAE are funding localized defense and turbine manufacturing, with early-stage plans for domestic forging units. These projects are few but high value , with OEMs from Germany and Japan being invited as technology partners.

Africa is the least active region — though South Africa and Egypt show signs of demand through infrastructure and energy development. Mobile or compact radial forging lines may find a place here, especially for pipeline or railway spares.

 

Regional Summary Table:

Region	Key Adoption Drivers	Outlook
North America	Retrofit-led, defense and aerospace focused	Stable but slow growth
Europe	Innovation + carbon compliance	Moderate, driven by modernization
Asia Pacific	Capex boom, defense + infrastructure	Fastest-growing region
LAMEA	Selective industrial projects	Niche demand, long-cycle orders

 

End-User Dynamics And Use Case

End users of radial forging machines span a surprisingly diverse set of industries — but their expectations aren’t all the same. Some prioritize tight-tolerance shaft production for aerospace engines. Others care more about volume throughput for drive train components or energy-sector forgings. The common thread? They’re all pushing for machines that offer reliable output with fewer operator dependencies and easier integration into digital workflows .

Aerospace & Defense Manufacturers
These are the most quality-sensitive users. They typically forge:

• Turbine engine shafts

• Missile casings

• Gun barrels

• High-pressure landing gear components

Here, dimensional accuracy, grain flow control, and metallurgical stability are critical. These end users work closely with OEMs like SMS Group or MHI , often customizing machines to suit exotic alloy requirements. Many are now investing in radial lines with integrated simulation software to fine-tune each forging cycle before physical production.

One aerospace supplier in France upgraded to a hybrid radial forge system with force feedback control. The move helped them qualify for Tier-1 contracts with a European jet engine consortium.

 

Oil & Gas Equipment Manufacturers
In this sector, radial forging is used for:

• Drill collars

• Tool joints

• Subsea pressure housings

The materials are tough — typically alloy steels or Inconel — and the dimensions can be massive. Throughput matters here, but so does process repeatability under load . Energy firms often work with local forgers who rely on large-capacity radial systems built for long part lengths and consistent wall thickness .

These users tend to value machine uptime and ruggedness over automation — although there’s growing interest in predictive maintenance tools to avoid unscheduled downtime.

 

Automotive & Commercial Vehicle Suppliers
Radial forging in this segment typically supports:

• Axles

• Stub shafts

• Transmission output shafts

Here, volume rules. The use case is less about superalloys and more about cycle time, cost efficiency, and tooling life . Japanese and Korean auto suppliers favor mid-tonnage, CNC-enabled systems that can quickly switch between part programs.

These forgers are often set up with in-line induction heating, robotic part loaders, and auto-die changers to reduce labor and increase consistency across shifts.

 

Railway and Heavy Machinery Fabricators
This group includes suppliers of:

• Wheelset axles

• Gearbox components

• Drive couplings

Radial forging is ideal here for its ability to produce long, concentric parts with uniform mechanical properties . Demand is rising in India, China, and Poland, where rail modernization is ongoing. These end users prefer machines with extended bed length , heavy-duty frames, and basic CNC capabilities — not full automation, but enough to manage die wear and dimensional drift.

 

Defense Contractors and Ordnance Factories
Gun barrels and breech components are a niche but strategic use case. Radial forging enables stress-free barrel profiling with superior inner bore quality — critical for accuracy and longevity. State-owned defense producers in countries like India, Turkey, and Egypt have commissioned custom-built radial forging machines with dual-axis control and programmable dwell times .

These organizations are often new to radial forging , so OEMs must also deliver training, simulation modules, and extended service contracts.

 

Use Case: Private Defense Supplier in India

A Tier-2 defense contractor in southern India was struggling to meet dimensional specs for indigenously manufactured artillery barrels. Traditional rotary forging methods caused microstructural inconsistencies and unacceptable scrap rates.

In 2023, they installed a servo-hydraulic radial forging line from a German OEM , paired with an offline process simulation workstation. Operators received remote training, and dies were digitally optimized for material flow. Within four months, first-pass yield improved by 28% , and qualification for Ministry of Defence contracts followed shortly after.

More than just better quality — the project became a case study in how radial forging can reduce dependency on foreign barrel imports.

 

Recent Developments + Opportunities & Restraints

Recent Developments (Last 2 Years)

• SMS Group launched an AI-integrated radial forging line for titanium alloys In early 2024, SMS Group introduced a next-gen servo-controlled radial forging system targeted at aerospace clients. The system features real-time thermal mapping, AI-driven force modulation, and full digital twin support — enabling tighter tolerances in complex alloy forgings.

• Indian defense contractor Bharat Forge commissioned a high-tonnage radial forging unit As part of its military modernization roadmap, Bharat Forge added a 4-die radial forge line for barrel and axle production. The setup includes in-line induction heating and motion feedback systems for gun steel. The project aligns with India’s “Make in India” initiative for localized ordnance production.

• Mitsubishi Heavy Industries piloted a hybrid radial system with alloy-switching automation In 2023, MHI began testing a system capable of forging two different alloys per shift — enabled by predictive die temperature balancing and robotic cleaning cycles. This was driven by rising demand from aerospace subcontractors in Southeast Asia.

• Lasco Umformtechnik introduced a modular die-change system for short-run shops Lasco’s new product line allows mid-sized forging shops to switch die sets in under 15 minutes , opening the door for lower-volume, high-variation forging contracts. Early adoption has been seen in Poland and the Czech Republic.

• Saudi Arabia’s defense ministry signed a tech transfer MOU with a European OEM In 2024, the Saudi Ministry of Defense signed a memorandum with a German forging company to co-develop radial forging lines for naval applications. The deal includes machine delivery, localized training, and potential regional servicing.

 

Opportunities

• Alloy Expansion into EV & Medical Device Sectors
  Radial forging is gaining attention beyond heavy industry — including electric motor shafts, orthopedic implants , and battery housing connectors . The ability to form high-integrity, corrosion-resistant materials with minimal post-machining is a major plus.

• Regional Defense Manufacturing Surge
  Countries like India, Turkey, and Saudi Arabia are actively reshoring military supply chains. This includes artillery barrels, armored vehicle parts, and turbine shafts — all of which are strong candidates for radial forging investment.

• Automation & Digital Retrofits for Older Lines
  Many forging shops still run 15–25 year-old radial systems. Retrofits with CNC controllers, servo systems, and cloud-based monitoring open a substantial service and upgrade market for OEMs and third-party integrators.

 

Restraints

• High Capital Cost and Long Payback Period
  A complete radial forging line — including dies, controls, and heating — can cost several million dollars , putting it out of reach for smaller shops unless part of a government-backed or defense-related initiative.

• Talent Gap in Forging Simulation and Process Optimization
  Operating these systems at full efficiency requires more than button-pushing. Many forging shops lack in-house metallurgists or simulation-trained engineers , making them hesitant to adopt complex radial systems.
  
   

7.1. Report Coverage Table

Report Attribute	Details
Forecast Period	2024 – 2030
Market Size Value in 2024	USD 496 Million
Revenue Forecast in 2030	USD 695 Million
Overall Growth Rate	CAGR of 5.8% (2024 – 2030)
Base Year for Estimation	2024
Historical Data	2019 – 2023
Unit	USD Million, CAGR (2024 – 2030)
Segmentation	By Machine Type, Application, Material Forged, End-Use Industry, Geography
By Machine Type	Hydraulic, Mechanical, Hybrid CNC
By Application	Shafts & Axles, Hollow Tubes, Gun Barrels, Custom Forgings
By Material Forged	Steel Alloys, Titanium/Nickel Alloys, Aluminum Alloys
By End-Use Industry	Aerospace & Defense, Automotive, Oil & Gas, Heavy Machinery
By Region	North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, Middle East & Africa
Country Scope	U.S., Germany, China, India, Japan, Saudi Arabia, Brazil
Market Drivers	- Rise in defense-localization programs - Demand for titanium and superalloy forging - Retrofit and digital upgrade trend in legacy forging shops
Customization Option	Available upon request