Cold Forming

Cold Forming Overview

What is cold forming?
Cold forming is a manufacturing process whereas metal is shaped without removal of material, thus cold forming the component. A blank is placed within a die and a punch is pressed into the blank to cold form the part. The blank then takes on the form of the punch and the die.

The advantages of cold forming vs.machining from solid are:

• Saving on raw material due to cold forming a shape
• Reduced machining time on cold formed parts
• Improved component properties result from cold forming

The saving on raw material as a result of cold forming can be very significant as is the saving in machining time. Improvements in component properties can also be gained from cold forming due to the grain structure of the material being elongated and forced to follow the contours of the part thus increasing its strength. Additionally, during cold forming the part undergoes work-hardening thus improving machinability.

Companies that perform cold forming are often referred to as cold formers.

Cold Forming Sub-Processes

Cold Heading
Roll Forming
Swaging