Is forged steel stronger than regular steel?

Forged steel is indeed stronger than ordinary steel (such as unprocessed raw materials or cast steel). This "strength" is reflected not only in its hardness but also in its durability and reliability.
Through the steel forging process, the metal undergoes a "deep evolution" from the inside out. Here are some common reasons why it's stronger:

1. Internal "Compaction"

Ordinary steel: Whether cast or in its original ingot form, ordinary steel inevitably contains some tiny pores or micro-voids invisible to the naked eye.  Like a sponge with small holes, these areas are most susceptible to problems under stress.
Forged steel: Under immense pressure, these small pores are completely flattened and welded together, making the entire piece of metal as dense as a solid block. Without internal defects, the part is naturally stronger.

2. Aligning the "Muscle Fibers" with the Shape

Ordinary steel: Its internal grain structure is relatively random, lacking a fixed direction.
Forged steel: During the forging process, the metal's internal crystal structure deforms and rearranges, forming what is called a "flow line." This is similar to the grain of wood or the muscle fibers of the human body; forging aligns these "fibers" neatly along the shape of the part.
Advantage: When the part is subjected to impact, this aligned structure significantly improves its tensile strength and resistance to fracture, making it much more resilient than ordinary steel.

3. More Ductile, Less Prone to Breaking

Performance: Ordinary steel can sometimes be quite "brittle" when subjected to sudden, violent impacts, cracking directly.
Forging advantage: After steel forging, the metal's ductility is significantly increased. This means that under extreme pressure, it will deform slightly before shattering like glass. This characteristic is crucial in safety-critical industries such as automotive and heavy machinery.

4. Longer Lifespan

Due to its more uniform and dense structure, forged steel parts are less prone to fatigue cracks during repetitive stress applications (such as piston rods in engines or gears in factories). This means that parts made from forged steel can last longer, reducing maintenance and replacement costs.