Abstract Three specific benchmarks well adapted to cold forging process are proposed in order to reveal the influence of damage evolution on local and global mechanical variables and to validate damage modelisation in finite element codes. So a comparative analysis between a microvoid free and a microvoided material is proposed through these benchmarks and the related modifications are presented in detail. First, it is suggested to analyse the Set-up of a cylinder which is clamped at its top and bottom ends in a tubular rigid die, second a pipe bulging process and third the bulk forming of a wheel.