Abstract: A production, automated method of hot forging finished articles from powder metal preforms, and an apparatus for carrying out the method, wherein the preforms are passed through an induction heating device, whereby they are heated to at least forging temperature. Thereafter, the heated preforms are passed to a pair of dies whereby they are forged into finished articles, after which they are cooled. The entire process may, if required, be conducted in a non-oxidizing atmosphere. The apparatus includes an induction heating means, a forging means, a cooling station, feeding or conveying means to introduce the preforms into the induction heating means, and conveying means to move the preforms from the heating means to the forging means and from the forging means to the cooling station. The entire operation is automatic, including the feeding of the preforms through the apparatus, the control of temperature, and the lubrication and preheating of the dies.