The tool is simple, versatile, and has a short production preparation cycle. The weight of free forgings can range from less than one kilogram to two or three hundred tons.

For large forgings, free forging is the only processing method, which makes free forging play a particularly important role in heavy machinery manufacturing. For example, parts such as turbine main shafts, multi-turn crankshafts, large connecting rods, and important gears bear a large load during operation and require high mechanical properties. Free forging methods are often used to produce blanks.

Since the shape and size of free forgings are mainly controlled by manual operation, the forgings have low precision, large machining allowances, high labor intensity, and low productivity.

Free forging is mainly used for single-piece and small-batch production, repair and production of large forgings, and trial production of new products.