What is Endo forging in golf club design? 

You may have heard the phrase Endo forging used in golf club design, especially in irons. But, what does that actually mean? 

Endo forging is regarded as one of the big players in Japanese golf club design.

Endo has forged irons for some of the top golf brands from the likes of Bridgestone, Callaway, Nike, Srixon, Titleist and their own Epon iron which are made in-house. So, they’re certainly a big player in the industry.

If you are familiar with their forging, you’ll know that the finish and the quality of what they produce is incredibly impressive. Take a look at Bridgestone’s new 220MB blade for example. 

But how do they achieve this finish, and what does the Endo forging process look like in a golf club design? 

Well, the Endo forging process has a total of seven stages, so it’s no quick method. Let’s take a closer look at what it’s all about.

1. Product Development

Based on the product concept developed by the brands, Endo leverages their design know-how and production technology to that plan and refine the specifications for each product. They then work on product development to realise the concept using advanced CAD modelling technology and simulation technology. 

2. Master Model

Then, the next stage is creating the golf club heads. For each head a CAD-model, and a prototype master model for each is produced. Endo work on manufacturing a product with the belief that human senses should be taken into account, such as the feel and sound of hitting the ball. 

3. Tooling

Tooling is the process that is made in-house based on 3D data of a master model, and tooling for irons are produced through precise processing. Endo have brought tooling work in-house, which is the heart and soul of manufacturing to enable rapid and detailed responses to the customer’s requirements. 

4. Precision Forging

In the forging process the raw material is heated and struck to form a required shape, and then manufacture the forgings through the accumulated “precision forging technology.” Refined grain structure and oriented grain flow produced in the forgings significantly improve the physical properties of the metal, such as strength and flexibility, and also achieve accurate dimension and smoother forged surfaces. 

5. MC and Welding

The forged products are then cut using a numerical control machining centre and the shape of the mating surfaces is formed. By using a 3D welding robot, automated welding can be done even on a 3D curved surface like a golf club head precisely. 

6. Polishing

The polishing process involves a combination of automated polishing and hand polishing by Endo’s highly skilled workers. This enables them to create a uniformed and smooth surface finish even when the shapes are complicated, while still ensuring that the head surface shape is reproduced in accordance with the master model. 

7. Plating and Painting

The final step is when the golf club head surface is plated and painted using an automated plating line and sophisticated painting technology. The result is a finished golf club head that is beautiful with an attractive bright sheen. 

As you can probably tell, it is a very precise procedure but that is why they are regarded as one of the big players when it comes to forging golf clubs.

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James Tait is bunkered’s Gear Editor. Want to know how the latest Callaway driver, Vokey wedge or Scotty Cameron putter performs? He’s the guy to ask. Better yet, just watch his videos on the bunkered YouTube channel. One of the biggest hitters in the UK, James also competes on the World Long Drive circuit and is a descendent of former Amateur champion Freddie Tait.

Gear Editor