The present paper describes a systematic investigation of possible flo
w imperfections in forging of an H-shaped profile. The influence of ge
ometry and volume of the slug and of friction in the tool/workpiece in
terface on flow are investigated by numerical as well as physical mode
lling. A comparison between two different FE- codes, DEFORM ans Forge2
and physical modelling applying parafin wax shows good agreement betw
een the different methods of analysis. Based on the results a formabil
ity diagram has been established for forging of H-shaped profiles.