What is the process called where metal is heated and shaped by plastic deformation under compressive force?

• A. Forging
• B. Casting
• C. Bending
• D. Threading

Answer: (A)

Shaping metal by plastic deformation under compressive force after heating is forging. Heating puts the metal into a plastic, ductile state so it can flow without cracking, and then compression—by hammering, upsetting, or pressing—forces it to take a new shape. This combination of heat-assisted plastic flow and compressive deformation yields a forged piece with a strong, grain-flow structure aligned with its final form.

Casting isn’t about deforming a solid metal piece under pressure; it involves pouring molten metal into a mold to solidify. Bending changes shape by bending, often without the kind of plastic flow produced by high compressive forces on a heated blank. Threading creates threads, either by cutting or forming, and isn’t the general shaping of a part by plastic deformation under compression.