Carbon fiber and forged carbon fiber are both composite materials made from carbon fibers, but the manufacturing process and resulting properties of the materials are different.

Carbon fiber is made by weaving or braiding carbon fibers into a fabric, which is then bonded together with a resin matrix to form a composite material. The resulting material is strong, lightweight, and stiff, and is commonly used in a variety of high-performance applications such as aerospace, automotive, and sports equipment.

Forged carbon fiber, on the other hand, is a relatively new type of carbon fiber composite material that is made by mixing carbon fiber with a resin and then compressing the mixture under high pressure to create a solid block. The block is then machined or molded into the desired shape. The resulting material has a unique marbled appearance and is often described as looking like "carbon fiber on steroids".

One of the key differences between carbon fiber and forged carbon fiber is the manufacturing process. Carbon fiber is typically made using a labor-intensive process that involves weaving or braiding the fibers together, while forged carbon fiber is made using a much faster and more automated process that involves compressing the fibers and resin mixture.

Another difference is in the properties of the resulting material. Forged carbon fiber is generally more isotropic (i.e., it has consistent properties in all directions) than traditional carbon fiber, which can have different properties in different directions depending on the weave pattern. Forged carbon fiber is also said to be more impact-resistant than traditional carbon fiber, which can be more prone to cracking or breaking under impact.

In summary, while both carbon fiber and forged carbon fiber are composite materials made from carbon fibers, they have different manufacturing processes and resulting properties. Carbon fiber is known for its strength, stiffness, and lightweight properties, while forged carbon fiber is known for its unique appearance and high impact resistance.