Cold Heading Steel and Cold Extruded Steel
Cold heading steel and cold extruded steel are two specialized alloys used in modern industrial manufacturing. The two materials, although similar, are used for different purposes due to their unique form of manufacture. Cold heading steel is commonly used for bolts, nuts and other components that require extreme strength and deformability. Cold extruded steel is a specialized alloy made for precision parts with complex geometries.
Cold heading steel is steel that has been cold worked, meaning it has gone through a process of being heated and then cooled rapidly to temperatures far below the same temperature as an annealed condition. This process creates a work-hardenable, high-strength low-alloy steel with a martensitic or bainitic microstructure. Cold heading steel is mainly used in the production of automotive and aerospace components because of its superior strength and durability. Additionally, it is beneficial in the production of fasteners, such as bolts and other threaded components, as its cold working properties allow for custom threads that are strong and hold tight. Cold heading is often used in the production of components requiring complex geometry or intricate detail.
Cold extruded steel is a metal alloy that has gone through a process similar to cold heading steel, but with a few key differences. In cold extrusion, the steel is heated beyond the recrystallization temperature, then cold worked and formed into the component it is intended to be. During this process, there is higher strain rate and lower temperature allowing for complex geometries and custom shapes. Additionally, the fast cooling that is part of the extrusion process further increases the tensile strength of the steel, making it a more durable material. Cold extruded steel is commonly used to make components for applications that require precision, such as aerospace and medical components, as well as automotive engines, pumps, and valves.
Given the extremely demanding properties required for industrial production of components, cold heading steel and cold extruded steel are two of the most popular materials used to meet these requirements. By combining the cold working capabilities of both alloys, manufacturers can create parts that are strong, durable and precise. The ability to customize the geometries of components with the two welding techniques offers the ability to create components that can last a longer period of time and still maintain superior performance in the application environment.
Although both cold heading steel and cold extruded steel are similar in their manufacturing processes, it is important to note that each alloy has its own set of benefits and uses. Cold heading steel is best used for components that require strength and reliability such as bolts, nuts, and other threaded components. Cold extruded steel is more useful for parts that need precision, such as aerospace and medical components. By taking the time to understand each alloys unique set ofproperties, manufacturers can create the parts they need to meet the rigorous demands of their respective applications.
