Cold Drawn Steel (GB/T6478-1986)
Cold drawn steel is a type of steel that is made by a process known as cold drawing. This process involves the production of long straight bars of a material by drawing it through a die in a cold state. The process is frequently used when making steel products and components as it offers a cost effective and efficient method of manufacturing them with a greater degree of accuracy and precision.
The process begins by heating the steel to a temperature just below its recrystallization point. The heated steel is then gradually reduced by cold drawing it through a die of an appropriate size then pierced, twisted or cut to the desired length. The compressive force applied during cold drawing increases the internal stresses of the steel which can lead to material hardness, strength and ductility.
Cold drawn steel is typically stronger, lighter and more accurately dimensioned than steel produced via other methods. Due to its greater strength, it has better fatigue and wear resistance as well as improved machinability compared to other steel products. This makes it suitable for a range of industrial applications, from automotive components and machine tools to medical instruments.
Another advantage of cold drawn steel is its increased surface finish which is smoother and cleaner than that of hot rolled steel. This makes it ideal for highly exposed and visible parts such as kitchen fixtures, doors and furniture.
The steel used in cold drawn steel comes in various grades, the most common being Grades 4140 and 4340. The selection of grade will depend on the specific application and requirements of the part being manufactured. Grade 4140 is a low alloy steel, meaning it has a low amount of additional alloying elements like nickel and chromium that are added to the steel to improve its characteristics. It is commonly used in components such as gears, shafts, sprockets and bolts. Grade 4340 is a high-strength alloy steel, meaning it has a higher amount of alloying elements that are added to improve its characteristics and make it more suitable for high-load or highly-exposed parts such as suspension links and landing gear components.
In conclusion, cold drawn steel is a valuable material choice for a range of applications thanks to its increased strength, improved machinability and smoother surface finish compared to other steel products. Its ability to be manufactured with greater precision and accuracy also makes it a cost-effective option for many industrial and consumer products.
