why are forgings so prevalent

Since the dawn of mankind, metalworking has assured strength, toughness, reliability, and the highest quality in a variety of products. Today, these advantages of forged components assume greater importance as operating temperatures, loads, and stresses increase.
Forged components make possible designs that accommodate the highest loads and stresses. Recent advances in forging technology have greatly increased the range of properties available in forgings.
Economically, forged products are attractive because of their inherent superior reliability, improved tolerance capabilities, and the higher efficiency with which forgings can be machined and further processed by automated methods.
The degree of structural reliability achieved in a forging is unexcelled by any other metalworking process. There are no internal gas pockets or voids that could cause unexpected failure under stress or impact. Often, the forging process assists in improving chemical segregation of the forging stock by moving centerline material to various locations throughout the forging.
To the designer, the structural integrity of forgings means safety factors based on material that will respond predictably to its environment without costly special processing to correct for internal defects.
To the production employee, the structural reliability of forgings means reduced inspection requirements, uniform response to heat treatment, and consistent machinability, all contributing to faster production rates and lower costs.