A unique diversity of know-how
Purchasing
Approforge is the specialized purchasing entity within Setforge Group, bringing together experienced buyers who understand the forging and machining industry from the inside out. Our team works at the intersection of procurement strategy and technical knowledge, having built our expertise through years of collaboration with group companies, engineering teams, quality departments, and production facilities.
This deep understanding of both market dynamics and manufacturing realities allows us to deliver purchasing solutions that work in practice, not just on paper. Whether supporting internal Setforge operations or working with external clients, we apply the same rigorous approach to sourcing, cost management, and supplier development that has made us a trusted partner across the industry.
AWARE OF TODAY'S
STRATEGIC CHALLENGES
The purchasing function is evolving rapidly, and we believe the biggest challenges ahead are environmental responsibility and digital transformation. As part of an industry with significant environmental impact, we're committed to a more sustainable approach to procurement.
Calculating and tracking CO2 footprint of purchased steel, prioritizing locally sourced and recycled materials
Valorizing waste through certified European channels at optimal prices
Monitoring cost indices throughout the value chain to understand true economic and environmental costs
Engaging suppliers in conversations about environmental and social responsibility
We're also embracing digitalization to make procurement more strategic and forward-looking. Digital tools aren't replacing human judgment, they're augmenting it !
Faster quote processing and optimized consumable purchasing
Better knowledge sharing and benchmarking across teams
Exploring cognitive sourcing and AI to anticipate market shifts
Focusing more time on strategy, long-term value creation, and innovation
Strategic expertise...
Approforge operates on two levels: supporting Setforge Group companies with strategic purchasing expertise, and extending these capabilities to external clients.
Here's how we create value across different areas of procurement and material development.
... NOW AT YOUR SERVICE
The expertise and networks we've built working with Setforge companies are now available to external clients. This approach creates mutual benefits: we expand our market reach and supplier relationships, while you gain access to the purchasing power and industry knowledge of a major forging group.
We're not trying to replace your internal purchasing function, we're here to complement it, bringing specialized expertise and group advantages where they can make the most difference.
ANNUAL CONTRACT NEGOTIATION
We handle the full cycle of annual purchasing agreements with your key suppliers. This includes market analysis, supplier selection, contract negotiation, pricing structure development, and ongoing contract management throughout the year.
Expertise
• Pre-negotiation market analysis and benchmarking
• Supplier screening and technical evaluation
• Commercial negotiation and contract drafting...
TECHNICAL PURCHASING ON DRAWING
We source specific components or materials based on your technical drawings and specifications. Our team understands forging and machining requirements, so we can evaluate supplier proposals not just on price but on technical feasibility and manufacturing approach.
Expertise
• Technical drawing review and manufacturability assessment
• Quote comparison with technical risk evaluation
• Supplier selection support and purchase order management...
SPOT PURCHASING
For specific market situations, we provide targeted purchasing support. This is valuable when market conditions are volatile, when you need access to suppliers outside your usual network, or when you're entering a new material category.
Expertise
• Emergency purchases with tight deadlines
• Market validation for unusual specifications
• Second-source development for risk management...
PURCHASING TEAM TRAINING
Our experienced buyers can train your purchasing teams on forging and machining procurement, cost structure analysis, negotiation techniques, and market intelligence. Training can be customized to your needs, from half-day workshops to multi-month programs.
Expertise
• Steel market dynamics and pricing mechanisms
• Negotiation strategies for industrial purchasing
• Supplier evaluation and development approaches
MATERIAL INNOVATION & CO-DEVELOPMENT
Working in partnership with leading steel manufacturers, we've identified and validated new alloy types and production techniques that address real manufacturing challenges. These innovations come from listening to production teams, understanding cost pressures, and collaborating with suppliers who are willing to push technical boundaries.
Each of these materials has been tested in actual production conditions with Setforge companies, so we can speak from experience about their benefits and limitations. We're happy to discuss whether any of these solutions might work for your applications.
Bainitic Micro-Alloy Steel
Alternative to conventional CrMo4 and pearlitic micro-alloys
This steel achieves its mechanical properties through controlled cooling after forging, eliminating the need for separate heat treatment. The bainitic microstructure provides an excellent combination of strength and toughness, while the simplified process reduces both costs and energy consumption. This isn't a niche material, it's been successfully applied across multiple sectors and applications!
Replace heat treatment with controlled cooling, reducing handling and production steps
Improved mechanical resistance compared to conventional alternatives
Significant reduction in energy consumption by eliminating heat treatment cycles
Better economics on the overall production balance of finished parts
High-Temperature Case-Hardening Steel
Optimized for efficient carburizing cycles
This steel is designed to be carburized at higher temperatures than conventional grades, which significantly shortens the treatment cycle.The metallurgy is carefully balanced to maintain fine grain structure even at elevated temperatures, making it particularly suitable for demanding applications like transmission gears where grain size is critical for performance and durability.
Reduced carburizing duration through higher processing temperatures
Maintains grain structure suitable for critical transmission components
Lower energy consumption per part through optimized treatment cycles
Better throughput and lower energy costs reduce final production price
Thermomechanical Lamination
Advanced bar production technique
This production technique replaces traditional annealing with controlled cooling during the rolling process. The thermomechanical approach creates the desired microstructure in a single operation, eliminating a separate heat treatment step. This is particularly effective for steels used in cold forging, where consistent material properties and good formability are essential.
Eliminates separate annealing step in bar manufacturing
Lower energy consumption through integrated thermal processing
Faster bar production without compromising material properties
Lower bar costs benefit cold forging economics across multiple sectors
Improved Machinability Steel
Optimized for high-productivity machining operations
By carefully controlling the type, size, and distribution of inclusions in the steel, manufacturers can dramatically improve how the material behaves during machining. These steels cut more cleanly, generate less tool wear, and allow higher cutting speeds.For high-volume production, these improvements translate directly to lower piece costs and more predictable manufacturing.
Higher material removal rates without sacrificing surface quality
Reduced tool wear means fewer tool changes and lower tooling costs
Faster cycle times particularly valuable in large series production
More predictable machining behavior across production runs
Improved Machinability Stainless Steel
Stainless performance with easier machining
Stainless steels are notoriously difficult to machine, but through careful metallurgical control, we've identified grades that maintain corrosion resistance while machining much more like carbon steel.This opens up stainless applications to higher-volume production where machining costs would otherwise be prohibitive.
Significantly higher cutting speeds compared to standard stainless grades
Reduced tool wear lowers consumable costs in stainless machining
Makes stainless viable for applications previously limited by machining costs
Corrosion resistance and mechanical properties comparable to standard grades
WOULD YOU LIKE TO KNOW MORE?
LET’S TALK ABOUT IT!
On our Blog
Cold forging vs. Hot forging: which process fits your part?
31/07/2026
Forging is a manufacturing process, which shapes a solid-phase metal workpiece by applying compressive forces on it.
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Developing a quality warm forging process
10/03/2026
Thanks to the automotive industry and its continuous development towards better, lighter and more cost efficient components, warm forging has gained greater importance. Alone or as a part of specia...
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The undoubted advantages of the process
10/03/2026
Forging is classified in hot, warm and cold, according to the temperature at which is performed.
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