How Toyota Cars Are Made - Toyota Vitual Plant Tour - Episode 12

Forging is a process where iron is heated to a high temperature and then struck with a hammer or a die. This process strengthens metal to make car parts that require a particular strength. Here we are making a crankshaft, a component of the engine that rotates at a high speed. In order to pass down forging skills, some processes are intentionally done by hand. With the manual machine, workers learn the knowledge necessary for forging and hone their skills through repeated failures. Through this learning process, workers acquire various techniques and experience, ranging from how to apply lubricant, to how to hold tongs, turn and place materials, and make adjustments for varying temperature and humidity. This type of hammer forging machine goes back to the origins of the forging process. Even today, this type of hammer forging is still used to develop skills. These skills form the basis of what the machines do. That is why it is so important to train people and continuously improve their skills. It helps us build ever better products. Underlying the machines and technology used in mass production is the wisdom and craftsmanship of human beings.