What is the historical development process of pipe forging technology?

The history of pipe fitting forging technology is very long, and its core idea can be traced back to the Neolithic Age when humans began to use metals.
Phase One: Ancient Hand Forging
From the end of the Neolithic Age to around 2000 BC, China had already applied cold forging techniques to make tools. By hammering natural metals such as red copper and meteoric iron by hand to create tools and weapons, this was the most primitive form of plastic deformation.
Phase Two: Introduction of Mechanical Power
After the 14th century, animal power and water power were used to operate drop hammers.
In 1842, the first steam hammer was invented in the UK, marking the entry of forging into the era of powered machinery.
The power source evolved from human power to natural forces and steam power, significantly enhancing the forging capacity.
Phase Three: Formation and Development of Modern Forging Techniques
By the end of the 19th century, the basic categories of modern forging machinery (such as steam hammers and presses) had been established.
In the middle and late 19th century, the Mannesmann brothers invented the oblique rolling piercing method, which promoted the production of seamless steel pipes and other pipe fittings.
At the beginning of the 20th century, hot die forging developed rapidly to meet the demands of the automotive industry.
In the middle of the 20th century, efficient and precise processes such as cold forging and precision forging were widely adopted.
The degree of mechanization and automation increased; specialized processes (such as oblique rolling piercing for pipe fittings) emerged; and the pursuit of precise, efficient, and minimal cutting processing methods began.
Phase Four: Contemporary Precision and Automation
From the mid-20th century to the present, current development trends.
Deep application of computer and automation technologies; development of new processes such as precision forging and isothermal forging; pursuit of flexible manufacturing to adapt to multi-variety and small-batch production.