All about Craft and sewing

The Cold Heading Process for Small Metal Parts

Their function seems so simple, but small metal parts play a huge role in keeping certain industries afloat. For example, where would the electronics industry be without the screws, contact rivets, and miniature components that are used to build products? And where would the automotive industry be without the bevy of metal fasteners used to keep cars in one piece? Imagine trying to drive a car held together by rubber bands and duct tape. That’s a world without simple metal parts. Despite the relative importance of these parts, however, few people know how and where they are made. Even the executives of the companies which keep the metal part industry in business are often far removed from the manufacturing decisions and industrial knowledge.

The truth is that there are many metalworking processes—die casting, extrusion, forging, and so on. Each of these processes falls into one of the following categories—forming, cutting, and joining—and has its own strengths and weaknesses when it comes to industry. One in particular is extremely useful for manufacturing small metal parts. This is the cold heading process.

Cold heading is a process which shapes metal by applying force to a metal blank with a punch and die. Once the force applied by the die exceeds the metal blank’s yield strength, the material begins to give and take on the shape of the die. Why is this process so effective? For starters, it allows a supplier to make extremely precise parts given the use of a die. Many different shapes and designs can be realized, and furthermore it is easy to create custom shapes for individual clients. Second of all, the cold forming process strengthens the metal through deformation. This makes cold headed parts far more durable and resistant to shock and fatigue than small metal parts created through a different process. Thirdly, there is no scrap produced since the metal is shaped rather than cut or otherwise removed. This means that production can occur more quickly and efficiently, without the extra labor that is required to remove the scrap. The bottom line is that the cold heading process is able to produce small metal parts quickly and cheaply when compared to others means.

While the cold heading process is fantastic for small metal fasteners such as screws, contacts, contact rivets, and other fasteners, it is not ideal for everything. Larger projects may be served better by another type of metalworking. Furthermore, cold heading companies can only use certain types of materials with their stamping machines. Metals such as steel, aluminum, copper, and nickel work well with cold heading machines. As do precious metals such as silver, gold, and platinum. Iron, however, is an exception. As are magnesium, refractory metals, titanium, and zinc.

Given the widespread use of cold forming processes, it is important for executives in many industries to understand the process through which their components and products are manufactured. Knowing whether to look for a cold heading company or another type of industrial supplier will help businesses save time and expense, as well as create a better end-product. You can follow these links for more information:

http://bigelowcomponents.com

http://www.stalcop.com/cold-heading.php

About the Author

The author has experience in industrial supply and manufacturing.

Rivet Tool, Blue Pneumatic BP-48v Power Micro . w/Mandrel collection rivet tool

Scanpan Classic Fry Pan $49.99 Scanpan Classic Fry Pan Available in your choice of size, this nonstick fry pan is perfect for cooking delicate foods such as eggs, seafood, and fragile sauces without sticking. The pan is made of cast aluminum and has a ceramic titanium coating, which is PFOA ( perflurooctanoic acid ) free. The Scanpan Classic Fry Pan allows you to fry without fat and is safe for use with any utensil, including m…

Cuisinart Triple Riveted 11-Piece Savor The Good Life Forged Cutlery Set $51.71 Set Includes: 8 Inch Chef Knife. 7 Inch Santoku Knife. 5.5 Inch Serrated Utility Knife. 3.5 Inch Paring/Santoku Knife. (4) 4.5 inch stamped steak knives. All-purpose kitchen shears. Sharpening steel. Natural wood block. Features: High Carbon Stainless Steel blade for precision and accuracy. Stainless steel rivets secure the full tang blade to the ergonomically designed handle perfectly balanced fo…

Metal Skull & Crossbones Cast Button Ornament with Rivet 12 Pcs $11.99 * Great for clothing, leather goods, hats, hatbands, chokers, belts, wristbands, costumes, or whatever… A Punk, Goth and Biker Favorite * This lot contains 12 Skull and Crossbone button Ornaments, and 12 rivet caps for attaching…

Palmgren 61101 AP10 1-Ton Manual Arbor Press $83.38 Arbor Presses Machine Type: Mechanical Pressure: 1…

Palmgren 61051 AP05 1/2-Ton Manual Arbor Press $56.00 Arbor Presses Machine Type: Mechanical Pressure: 1/2…

Metric Screw Checker (2mm to 7mm) – Made in USA $16.99 The Metric Screw Checker is a precision threaded tool for complete instant identification of Metric Screws. This quality tool made of heavy-gauge steel is satin-chrome plated, expertly machined & threaded, and American made! All do-it-yourselfers, handymen, mechanics and maintenance people have too often experienced the frustration and loss of valuable time and money by mistakenly identifying a …

Finger Rivets. Size: Small ? (8mm) length – Model A36716 $41.57 Squeeze rivets together for easy attachment of straps to splints. Shaft is 1/4″ (6.4mm) in diameter. Package of 50 sets….

Harvy Rivet on Night Splint – Adjustable – Small Plate Rivet on Night Splint – Adjustable – Small Plate Rivet on Night Splint with small plate and adjustable bar 7″ to 11″….

Quick Rivets, Small (Pack of 100) $15.81 Quick Rivets, Small (Pack of 100)Package of 100. Eliminates internal projection. All sizes require a 1/8“ (3.2mm) hole. Available in three shaft lengths: 5/16“ , 11/32“ and 3/8“ (7.9, 8.7 and 9.5mm). Product photo may not exactly match the product offered for sale. Please refer to the product description….

Hot Wheels Corvette Split Window #197 All Blue Card 2 Rivet All Small White Walls $3.75 Hot Wheels Corvette Split Window #197 All Blue Card 2 Rivet All Small White Walls…

Silvertone Clear Cubic Zirconia Ultra Small Radius Stud Earrings $15.99 Bright white cubic zirconia create the elegant look of these ultra small radius stud earrings. Crafted of polished white rhodium overlay, these earrings secure with traditional butterfly clasps.

Felco F-6 Pruner for Smaller Hands $57.99 Intended use: Garden pruningIdeal for small pruning work such as grape vines, shrubs and young treesCutting and anvil blades are not riveted

Black Leather and Small Silvertone Stud Bracelet $24.49 Shiny black leather bracelet with multiple silver tone round studs. This fashion forward bracelet features silver tone snaps for an adjustable closure.

Down the Darkest Road (Hardcover) $17.61 #1 New York Times bestselling author Tami Hoag returns with the latest entry in her riveting Oak Knoll series. Deeper Than the Dead introduced Tami Hoag`s millions of fans to Oak Knoll, a small California town that, in…

Rina Rich Large Clutch Handbag $30.08 Clutch purse features smart looking metal rivets and a magnetic buckleRina Rich large clutch handbag has zippered pockets inside and out Handbag has easy and convenient small pockets inside for quick retrieval of your small items

EGI Blue Faux Leather Ribbon Box Kit $16.99 Hold all of your ribbon in this riveted ribbon box kit from EGI. This faux leather ribbon box holds eight spools of ribbon and includes a small drawer and inside pocket under the lid, perfect for storing scissors and other craft supplies.

EGI Pink Faux Leather Ribbon Box Kit $17.59 Hold all of your ribbon in this riveted ribbon box kit from EGI. This faux leather ribbon box holds eight spools of ribbon and includes a small drawer and inside pocket under the lid, perfect for storing scissors and other craft supplies.

The Ransom of Mercy Carter (Paperback) $8.9 Set in early 18th-century western Massachusetts and Canada, this is the riveting story of colonist Mercy Carter, who is transformed from a frightened hostage to a Kahnawake Indian daughter. Living in cramped quarters with her family in the small commun…

Sterling Silver Peace Sign Stud Earrings $11.62 Add a little spunk to your wardrobe with these sterling silver stud earringsStuds feature a small peace sign with a high polish finishPeace jewelry features cut-out details

Sterling Silver Circle Clear Cubic Zirconia Stud Earrings $33.49 These striking earrings feature sparkling round-cut clear cubic zirconia stones bordered by smaller round cubic zirconia stones and filigree detail. Hanging from butterfly clasps, these earrings offer a highly polished finish and rhodium plating.

14k White Gold 1 1/2ct TDW Diamond Crown Stud Earrings (H-I, I2-I3) $982.49 Each of these eye-catching stud earrings features a large round-cut diamond front, accentuated by smaller round diamonds set all around the head. The earrings are crafted of luscious 14-karat white gold and secure with butterfly clasps.

EGI Green Faux Leather Ribbon Box Kit $16.99 Hold all of your ribbon in this riveted ribbon box kit from EGI. This faux leather ribbon box holds eight spools of ribbon and includes a small drawer and inside pocket under the lid, perfect for storing scissors and other craft supplies.

Sterling Silver Clear Cubic Zirconia Celebrity-inspired Stud Earrings $29.99 These earrings express sophistication, elegance, and style with sterling silver construction. Featuring one large oval-cut cubic zirconia with smaller round cubic zirconia all around, the earrings secure with omega clasps.

Sterling Silver Antique-style Cross Stud Earrings $11.89 Enhance your wardrobe with these sterling silver stud earringsStuds feature a small cross with a high polish finishCross jewelry features antique-looking carved details

‘Stud Muffin’ Dog’s Cotton Tank Top $20.85 Show off your dog with this fantastic ‘Stud Muffin’ tank topRuff Ruff and Meow pet apparel is a fun, fashionable way to give your dog a little extra flairCotton tank top confirms that your dog is the stud of the neighborhood

1 Sol Women’s 2-piece Triangle Top Embroidered Stitch Bikini $64.99 We accept returns on new swimwear items. To guarantee your refund, all tags and liners, if applicable, must be attached.This bikini features a running stitch triangle top with a matching bottom embellished with studs and Swarovski crystals.

The Mark Inside (Hardcover) $16.18 A riveting, masterfully told narrative history of con artistry in America and, in particular, of one rancher from Texas, who lost it all to the big con and set out to get his revenge.   In the fall of 1919, when the legendary “Big Joe” Fur…

Adee Waiss 18k Gold Overlay Black Agate Stud Earrings $17.59 Small crystals accent these black agate stud earrings. This jewelry is crafted of 18-karat yellow gold over brass with a satin finish.

Yogacara Women’s Short Hooded Dress $31.56 This comfortable and chic dress from Yogacara features a hooded design and a distinct stud pattern at sleeve openings. This short dress also offers long sleeves, a V-neck and a slightly stretchy cotton- and spandex-blend construction.

Sterling Silver Clear Cubic Zirconia Teardrop Stud Earrings $24.49 These gorgeous earrings feature multi-faceted teardrop-shaped clear cubic zirconia stones surrounded by several smaller round cubic zirconia stones. Hanging from butterfly clasps, these earrings offer a highly polished finish.