The Advantages of Cold Heading in Parts Manufacturing

Cold heading, or cold forming, is a manufacturing process that dates to more than 75 years ago, although it has evolved considerably over that time. One of the most important advantages of cold heading is the virtual elimination of scrap. For metals that are difficult or expensive to recycle or reuse, and in market conditions in which raw material prices are at their highest, elimination of scrap can make cold heading the only economically viable choice.

While cold heading offers many other benefits — including high speed, high reproducibility and higher strength in the finished product — the process is not always the best (and not always the only) manufacturing process used to manufacture a part. For some parts, a combination of cold forming and some other secondary process makes the most sense.

The accompanying resource presents a good overview of the advantages and potential limitations of this process. Continue reading to learn more.