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While laser-welded preforms provide significant advantages in sheet metal stamping, similar technology has not been developed for forging. In the present paper, the case for solid-state welded preforms in forging is considered and the workability and mechanical properties of selected base metal combinations are analyzed. Results demonstrate that welded preforms have adequate workability based on upsetting and side pressing tests though flow tends to be non-uniform in bi-metal preforms. Tensile tests indicate that the mechanical properties of side pressed preforms are equivalent to those of annealed base metal pieces. While work is ongoing to develop their use, results indicate that friction-welded preforms have potential for use in forging.