Cold forming, or cold heading, is a manufacturing process that shapes steel bolts without heating. This is achieved by striking or pressing the steel within a die to create the desired dimensions, often requiring multiple strikes.

Size & Shape

Cold forming has limitations regarding the size of bolts that can be manufactured. As bolt diameter increases, more pressure is needed to shape the material, which can make the machinery impractical at larger scales. Additionally, while technology has advanced the capabilities of cold forming, some complex shapes remain challenging or impossible to produce without heating or machining.

Waste

One of the primary advantages of cold forming is its efficiency in material use. The process shapes the material without removal or heating, significantly reducing both material and energy waste.

Strength

Cold forming enhances the strength of bolts through a process called work hardening. The steel’s grain structure remains intact, allowing the grains to flow along the contours of the part, which increases its strength.

Material

Different metals and alloys respond variably to cold forming. For instance, alloy steel is ductile enough for effective cold forming, while low carbon steel benefits from the increased strength provided by this process. Conversely, materials like stainless steel may not be suitable for cold forming, as the work hardening can hinder material flow, complicating the attainment of the desired shape.