Drop forging gets its name from the process of dropping a hammer onto the metal to mold it into the shape of the die. The die is the surface that comes into contact with the metal. There are two types of drop forging: open-die and closed-die forging. Dies are typically flat in shape with some having distinctively shaped surfaces for specialized operations.

In press forging, the main forming factor is compression. The metal sits on a stationary die while a compression die applies continuous pressure, achieving the desired shape. The metal's contact time with the dies is considerably longer than other types of forging, but the forging process benefits from being able to simultaneously deform the entire product, as opposed to a localized section. Another benefit of press forging is the ability of the manufacturer to monitor and control the specific compression rate. Applications of press forging are numerous, as there are relatively no limits to the size of product that can be created. Press forging can be hot or cold forged.

Roll forging is the process of increasing rods or wires in length. The manufacturer places heated metal bars between two cylindrical rolls with grooves, which rotate and apply progressive pressure to shape the metal. The precisely shaped geometry of these grooves forges the metal part to the desired shape. The benefits of this forging method include the elimination of flashing and a favorable grain structure. While roll forging uses rolls to produce parts and components, it is still considered a metal forging process and not a rolling process. Roll forging is frequently used to make parts for the automotive industry. It is also used to forge things like knives and hand tools.

Upset forging is a forging process that increases the diameter of the metal through compression. Crank presses, a particular high-speed machine, are used in upset forging processes. Crank presses are characteristically set on a horizontal plane to improve efficiency and the quick metal exchange from one station to the next. Vertical crank presses or hydraulic presses are also used. The advantages of this process are that it enables a high production rate of up to 4500 parts per hour and full automation is possible. It also produces little to no waste.

Isothermal forging is a forging process where the materials and the die are heated to the same temperature. The name comes from “iso” which means "equal." This forging method is commonly used for forging aluminium, which has a lower forging temperature than other metals such as steel. Forging temperatures for aluminum are around 430 °C, while steels and super alloys can be 930 to 1,260 °C. The benefits are the near net shapes lead to lower machining requirements and, therefore, lower scrap rates, and the metal part is highly reproducible. Another advantage is that smaller machines can be used to make the forging due to the lower heat loss. A few disadvantages are the higher die material costs to handle temperatures and pressures and the required uniform heating systems. It also has a low production rate.