Cold Drawing
Cold drawing is a manufacturing process that involves the shaping of metal wire and tubing. Cold drawing allows manufacturers to form complex shapes by restructuring metal as it flows through dies and mandrels during the process. It is a cold-work method that can adjust the size and shape of the stock material according to the specifications provided.
Advantages of Cold Drawn Metal Components
Cold drawing processes offer a number of beneficial properties that make them ideal for a wide range of applications. Some of the advantages of this manufacturing process include:
Accurate dimensional control:
Cold drawing allows fabricators to form metal into a precise and uniform shape according to customer specifications. This type of form allows for a maximum range of motion, which is highly beneficial in certain applications.
High strength:
Cold drawing is known for creating pieces with superb levels of strength and durability. The resulting components have higher strength-to-weight ratios, which provides a great advantage compared to components produced by other processes.
Improved surface finish:
The refined nature of the cold drawing process results in components with an improved surface finish. Furthermore, a better surface finish leads to better performance and a longer life of the component.
Increased ductility:
The precise nature of the cold drawing process enables manufacturers to yield stronger, more ductile metals that can withstand greater levels of force before failing. This can be useful for applications that require improved levels of toughness.
Reduced production times:
As opposed to some other manufacturing processes, cold drawing can reduce production times considerably. This is especially beneficial for applications that require swift turnaround times and quick delivery.
Applications of Cold Drawn Metal Components
The following list outlines some of the common applications of cold drawn metal components:
Aerospace Components: Cold drawing processes create complex shapes in aerospace components such as aircraft frames, door hinges, and landing gear struts.
Automotive Components: Cold drawing is often used to manufacture high-performance parts in the automotive industry, such as engine blocks, car frames, and transmission parts.
Medical Components: Components used in medical devices such as prosthetics and implants may require cold drawing to achieve desired specifications.
Heat Exchangers: Heat exchangers require intricate, precisely sized tubes that can withstand high levels of pressure and thermal transfer. This can be achieved through cold drawing.
Delivery Process for Cold Drawn Components
Once cold drawing is complete, the components are ready for delivery. Fabricators generally have several different options available when it comes to the delivery of their parts, from ground shipping to air freight. Customers should discuss their preferred delivery method with their fabricator to ensure the most efficient delivery possible.
An additional step in the cold drawing process is post-drawing inspection. This is a quality assurance measure in which technicians check both the dimensional and visual accuracy of the parts. Final inspection and sign-off must be carried out before the parts can be delivered. Once the inspection has been completed and the parts are approved, they can be packaged and shipped according to the delivery instructions provided by the customer.