Cold forming, also known as cold forging or cold heading, is a high-speed, room-temperature metal shaping process. It involves applying significant compressive force to a metal blank, typically wire or rod, forcing it to flow into a die cavity to create a near-net or net-shaped part. Unlike machining which removes material, cold forming displaces and reshapes the metal, leading to superior strength, exceptional material utilization, and high-volume cost efficiency. This makes it the preferred manufacturing method for durable, precision components across automotive, aerospace, fastener, and hardware industries.
Our facility is equipped with state-of-the-art multi-station cold formers and transfer headers to handle a wide range of part complexities and volumes. We specialize in both standard and custom-designed components.
| Parameter | Specification Range | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Press Capacity | Up to 750 Tons | Enables the forming of larger and more complex parts with high integrity. |
| Part Diameter (Wire/Rod) | 2mm - 30mm (0.08" - 1.18") | Broad size range for diverse applications from small precision fasteners to larger shafts. |
| Maximum Cut-Off Length | Up to 200mm (7.87") | Capable of producing longer components like special bolts and pins. |
| Number of Dies/Stations | 2 to 6 Stations | Multi-station process allows for progressive shaping, extruding, trimming, and piercing in one continuous cycle. |
| Materials | Low/Medium Carbon Steels, Alloy Steels, Stainless Steels (304, 316), Aluminum, Copper Alloys | Expertise in a wide variety of ferrous and non-ferrous metals suitable for cold forming. |
| Tolerance Capability | ±0.05mm - ±0.2mm (±0.002" - ±0.008") | Consistently holds tight dimensional tolerances as required by the part design. |
| Secondary Operations | Thread Rolling, Heat Treatment, Plating, Surface Coating | Full-service in-house or managed secondary processing for finished components. |
Choosing the correct material is critical for a successful cold forming project. The metal must have sufficient ductility to undergo deformation without cracking.
| Material Grade | Typical Applications | Key Characteristics |
|---|---|---|
| AISI 1018 / 1022 Steel | General-purpose fasteners, pins, shafts | Excellent cold formability, good strength after work hardening, cost-effective. |
| AISI 4037 / 4137 Alloy Steel | High-strength bolts, automotive components | Good formability, responds well to heat treatment for enhanced mechanical properties. |
| AISI 304 / 316 Stainless Steel | Corrosion-resistant fasteners, marine & medical parts | Higher work hardening rate requires robust tooling; excellent corrosion resistance. |
| Aluminum 6061 | Lightweight hardware, electrical connectors | Easy to form, excellent strength-to-weight ratio, good conductivity. |
| Copper C11000 / Brass C36000 | Electrical terminals, decorative hardware | Superior ductility and conductivity, excellent surface finish. |