Cold extrusion is a manufacturing process performed on metals at room temperature. It is a process used to form a product under the pressure rather than heat. Cold extrusion is different from hot extrusion in that the metal is not heated before being placed into the die (forming tool). Pressure is used to shape the metal instead of heat. Cold extrusion has been around for many decades and is used in the production of everything from automotive parts to medical devices.
Cold extrusion is a common manufacturing process used in the production of metal components. It involves the use of a male die (or punch) and a female die (or die cavity), which is filled with the metal being formed. High pressure is then applied to the metal, usually with a press or hydraulic cylinder, forcing it into the female die cavity to shape the workpiece. The result is a precisely formed, consistent and reliable product that is ready for use in the chosen application.
Cold extrusion can be used to produce a wide range of metal shapes, from solid blocks and rods to complex spring and wire forms. This means that the process is extremely versatile, being able to meet the demands of different industries with varying requirements. Cold extrusion is relatively efficient when compared to other metal forming techniques, which makes it cost-effective for mass production. Additionally, since cold extrusion does not involve heat or high-energy forces, it typically results in fewer defects and can provide better surface finish quality once complete.
Cold extrusion is usually specified when production of complex geometries is required. Additionally, it is typically used when a product needs to have a precise size and dimension, as well as when a high-strength and fatigue-resistant form is desired. Cold extrusion is well-suited for a wide range of materials including aluminium, copper, and steel, and for a variety of product types; including fasteners, pipe fittings and connectors, power transmission components, automotive parts, and aerospace components.
The pressure required for cold extrusion depends on the material being worked with and the size of the part being formed. In general, stainless steel requires the highest pressures when forming extruded parts. Cold extrusion forces are usually measured in tonnes per square inch (tpi) or megapascals (MPa). The amount of pressure required for successful cold extrusion will generally depend upon the material, size, shape and other mechanical properties of the part being formed.
It is important to note that cold extrusion should not be used on all types of materials, as some can become brittle over time due to the pressure used. Additionally, cold extrusion can produce stress on the parts being formed, so it is important to consider the design of the die and the amount of pressure being applied in order to avoid defects. Finally, cold extrusion can often require specialized tooling and other costs which should be taken into consideration when determining the overall cost-effectiveness of this manufacturing process.
