Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for near net warm forging relatively small, complex shaped parts, such as automotive rocker arms, is disclosed. Die and punches are provided, which collectively have surfaces corresponding to the surfaces of the as-forged parts. Centralized workpieces, e.g., a transverse cylinders having a length-to-diameter ratio of approximately 1:1, are placed in cavities of the dies, and the punches are cycled through forging strokes to form the as-forged parts. The as-forged parts may have draft angles of 0-2.degree. and surface-to-surface transitions with radii of less than or equal to about 1mm, and may also have substantially parallel side surfaces.

Abstract: A female die and a punch for forming relatively complex parts from axi-symmetrical workpieces, and the method of using the female die and punch to form the parts from the workpieces are disclosed. The female die and punch are used in a forging apparatus to near net warm forge parts that include curved surfaces with at least one protrusion offset from the longitudinal central axis of the part, or other complex part configuration. The female die includes curved inner surfaces that form the curved surfaces on the part and a recess to form the protrusion. The punch includes a forming surface at the bottom that is shaped to move material of the workpiece into regions of the cavity that form the protrusion. The volume of the part is substantially equal to the volume of the workpiece.