New materials for high-grade forgings, such as high-temperature resistant turbine shafts, have spurred the development of forging technologies. More exacting demands on product properties have given rise to breakthrough innovations in forging press technology, manipulator design and ring rolling mills, markedly improving performance (forces and torques) and accuracies. Since the introduction of programme forging, forging machines are capable of producing high-grade forgings with reproducible tolerances. Additionally, automating the entire forging process and integrating simulation calculations into forging production has markedly influenced the development. Further milestones are the introduction of automated ultrasonic testing and documentation tools.