Heading machine is used for forming metal into a specific shape without using heat. This specialized manufacturing process is often used for producing fasteners, like screws and bolts. The main benefit of this method is that it allows the creation of an intricately shaped metal part with minimal waste material, while still being capable of producing a high volume of finished products. This is possible due to the fact that cold forming requires less pressure on the workpiece than hot forming. However, the use of a cold heading machine is not suited to all types of materials.
The first step in the cold heading process is to draw a piece of wire to the desired length. Then, the resulting slug is inserted into a die and hit by a series of punches to create the shape of the final fastener head. This is a highly efficient manufacturing process that can produce a large number of products per minute. Many of these fasteners will undergo additional operations to further enhance their functionality, such as thread rolling.
Cold heading is a multi-step process, and the exact procedure depends on the type of fastener that is being made. For example, if the slug is to be made into a screw that will require threading, it is first inserted into a die and pressed against by a pin. This can be performed either with open tooling or between tools, depending on the design of the fastener. The slug is then forced into an upset and pressed against by the punch. Upsets can be formed with open, between, or enclosed tooling – again depending on the specific type of fastener being produced.
Another common form of cold forming is extrusion. This technique is usually performed with open or between tooling and can be used to form a wide range of complex shapes, including helical and other externally threaded designs. It is also used to create recesses in the heads of parts, such as those that need to be driven into a hole.
Another important advantage of the cold heading process is that it allows for a very high degree of precision and control over the dimensions of the final product. This is especially true for parts that require very tight tolerances. This is a major reason why some manufacturers prefer to employ this manufacturing method for producing their fasteners, as it is far more accurate than the traditional machining process. This level of accuracy makes it easier to ensure that the finished product will be able to meet its intended application. This is an important consideration for fasteners, which are often subjected to a significant amount of stress and strain during their lifetimes. In addition, the production of fasteners by the cold heading process is much more cost-effective than other methods. This is particularly true in the case of larger diameter fasteners, such as those that will be used to secure structures or appliances.
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