Cold processing involves the use of a variety of techniques to alter the physical and chemical structure of materials. This includes processes such as heat treating, cold working, and cold rolling. By altering the physical structure of materials, it is possible to improve their properties and create new materials with unique characteristics. Cold processing is used in a variety of industries and applications, including the automotive, aerospace, and medical industries, as well as in food processing and electronics.
Heat treating is a cold processing technique used to strengthen and harden a material or part. Heat treating is commonly used to change the material’s structure to make it more resistant to wear and tear, corrosion, or other physical damage. Heat treating usually involves exposing a metal or metal alloy to elevated temperatures, followed by sudden cooling using liquid nitrogen or water quenching. After cooling, the material will typically have a different microstructure due to the changes in temperature, which can improve its mechanical properties.
Cold work methods are typically used to attain specific properties, such as increased strength or improved metal shape or surface properties. Cold working involves applying pressure to a metal or metal alloy to permanently deform it, or strain it, to a desired shape or size. This can be achieved through a variety of methods such as bending, extrusion, forging, rolling, stamping, and wire drawing. While cold working can change the physical shape and size of a material, it does not cause a noticeable change in the material’s chemical structure.
Cold rolling is another cold work process that is typically used to create thin and uniform metal sheets or strips. Cold rolling is accomplished by passing a metal or metal alloy through rollers and compressing them. This process results in the desired thickness, and a smooth, uniform surface. After cold rolling, a coating of lubricant is often applied to the metal to reduce the potential for corrosion and increase its wear resistance.
Despite its common use in the automotive, aerospace, and medical industries, cold processing can also be used in food processing and electronics. In food processing, it is often used to create thin sheets of PVC or polycarbonate plastic, which can be used as packaging or in the production of microwavable dishes. In electronics, cold forming is used to create intricate shapes out of metal or other metallic alloys, which can then be used in various electronic components. In addition, cold rolling is often used to create thin, uniform sheets of metal or metal alloy for use in PCBs or other electrical components.
Overall, cold processing is a vital step in the manufacturing process for a variety of industries and applications. By utilizing this technology, it is possible to create new materials with improved properties or adjust the size or shape of existing materials for use in various products and components.
