Cold forging and cold heading are two metalworking processes that play important roles in many industrial sectors.
So, what exactly are cold forging and cold heading?
First, cold forging, also known as cold volume forming or cold extrusion, is an important manufacturing process and processing method. Similar to stamping, it consists of three main elements: materials, dies, and equipment. However, unlike stamping, which primarily uses sheet metal, cold forging mainly uses discs and wire rods. In Japan (JIS), cold forging is called cold forging, while in China (GB), it is called cold heading, and screw manufacturers often refer to it as heading.
Cold forging is a volume forming process performed below the recrystallization temperature of the metal. Metallurgical theory tells us that the recrystallization temperature varies for different metals, typically calculated as 0.3 to 0.5 times the melting point.
In the field of metalworking, cold forging exhibits unique and significant advantages compared to methods such as cutting, hot forging, powder metallurgy, and casting. Cold forging consumes very little material and generates almost no waste, thus significantly saving material costs. Simultaneously, because the billet remains cold throughout, it avoids the environmental pollution that could occur with hot billets. Cold forging machines have extremely high production efficiency, processing 60 to 600 pieces per minute, greatly increasing production speed. Parts processed by cold forging exhibit significantly improved strength properties due to the work hardening effect generated during cold deformation. Cold forging technology can manufacture high-precision workpieces and is a highly accurate forming process.
Cold heading, as a novel non-cutting process in metal pressure processing, has attracted much attention. Its principle lies in utilizing the plastic deformation characteristics of metal under external forces, combined with the assistance of dies, to achieve the redistribution and transfer of metal volume, thereby forming the desired part or blank. It can essentially be understood as die forging, although the terminology varies in different countries; the process itself is the same. This process is particularly suitable for the production of standard fasteners such as bolts, screws, nuts, rivets, and pins.
Cold heading, with its high productivity, superior product quality, and significant advantages in material savings, cost reduction, and improved working conditions, is increasingly favored in the machinery manufacturing industry, especially in the production of standard fasteners.
Of course, if you have large-scale forging needs, you can choose to cooperate with Mulan Metal. Mulan Metal has 12 years of experience in forging production and processing, and has helped clients in more than 30 countries complete various forging and processing outsourcing projects, receiving consistent praise. We look forward to your consultation.
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