MANUFACTURING PROCESSES
Cold Heading
Cold heading is a manufacturing process used to create engineered fasteners and components by forming metal without the application of heat.
The Process of Cold Heading:
1. Material Selection:
Typically, ductile metals like alloy steels, stainless steel, aluminum, titanium, and nickel alloys are chosen for cold heading due to their malleability.
2. Wire Preparation:
A metal wire, which serves as the raw material, is cut to the desired length, often referred to as a “slug.”
3. Cold Forming:
The wire or slug is inserted into a die and subjected to high-pressure force using a punch.
The metal deforms plastically to take the shape of the die and punch, without requiring heating beyond room temperature.
4. Multiple Stages (Optional):
Complex fasteners or components may require several stages of heading, where the part is progressively shaped into the desired geometry.
5. Trimming and Threading:
Excess material is trimmed, and threads or other detailed features are added if needed.
6. Heat Treatment and Coating (Post-Process):
While cold heading itself avoids heating, parts may undergo heat treatment after forming to enhance strength or other properties.
Surface coatings can be applied for added corrosion resistance.
Advantages of Cold Heading:
Strength: The process aligns the grain structure of the material, enhancing the mechanical properties of the fasteners.
Precision: It allows for tight tolerances, critical for engineered components used in demanding applications.
Cost-Effectiveness: Material wastage is minimized compared to machining, and the process is highly efficient for mass production.
Surface Finish: Produces a smooth surface, reducing the need for additional finishing operations.
Applications in Engineered Fasteners:
Cold heading is particularly suited for producing high-performance fasteners used in industries like:
Aerospace and Defense: For lightweight, high-strength components.
Oil & Gas and Marine: For corrosion-resistant fasteners exposed to harsh environments.
Automotive and Robotics: For precision-engineered fasteners that require tight tolerances.
Swiss Machining
Drilling
Laser Marking
Roll Threading
Cut Threading
Heat Treatment
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Austenitizing
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Tempering
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Normalizing
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Stress Relieving
Stamping
Grinding
Polishing
Broaching
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