What are coldformed parts and where are they used?
Coldformed parts are metal components that are manufactured using the cold extrusion process. They are parts with very high precision, excellent surface quality and improved mechanical strength. The coldformed parts from Schuhl & Co. are usually individual nuts that are designed to be particularly strong and of high quality.
Coldformed parts are used where high strength is required. This is the case in various industries, but particularly in the automotive, aerospace and construction sectors. Coldformed parts are widely used in these industries as they enable the efficient and resource-saving production of complex parts.
How does cold extrusion work? Presentation of the cold extrusion process
Cold extrusion is a forming process in which metal is shaped into a specific form at room temperature using pressure. The process begins with a cylindrical metal blank that is inserted into a pressing machine. This machine uses a punch that presses the metal into a shaping die.
The metal is formed under high pressure, with the punch pressing the blank into the die, which has the contours of the desired final shape. Due to the pressure and the shape of the die, the metal flows and fills the mold completely without heating the material. As the metal is not heated, it remains at room temperature, which gives the process its name. Once the metal has filled the die, the finished part is ejected and can undergo further finishing if required. This process enables the production of parts with complex shapes and very tight manufacturing tolerances.
Advantages of cold extrusion technology
Cold extrusion technology offers a number of significant advantages that make it particularly attractive for the production of metal parts for various industries and sectors:
Material and cost efficiency
Cold extrusion is used to press the metal into the mold, which means very little to no material waste. This maximizes material utilization and significantly reduces the cost of raw materials.
High productivity
The cold extrusion process enables fast and efficient mass production of parts. As the processing time per part is generally very short, large quantities can be produced in a relatively short time.
Improved mechanical properties
The process increases the strength and hardness of the material through work hardening. The microstructure of the metal is compacted by the pressure, resulting in greater strength and durability of the parts.
High precision and
outstanding quality
The technology enables the production of parts with very tight tolerances and minimal surface defects. The result is high-precision components that require less post-processing.
Improved energy efficiency
As the metal is processed at room temperature and no heating or melting processes are required, the energy consumption of the process is significantly lower compared to other shaping methods.
Environmental friendliness
In addition to energy efficiency, the low material waste leads to a more environmentally friendly production method, as less waste has to be disposed of and fewer resources are needed to produce new materials.
These advantages make cold extrusion a preferred choice for the production of metal parts, especially in sectors that demand high standards in terms of quality, efficiency and sustainability.
How is a coldformed part made? Process from the initial idea to the finished component
The production of a coldformed part follows a systematic process from the initial concept to the finished component. Here is a detailed overview of the individual steps:
Concept and design: The process begins with the idea for a part that will fulfill the specific requirements of an application. Engineers and designers develop an initial design based on these requirements, taking into account materials, dimensions and the complexity of the part.
Simulation and prototyping: Modern software is used to simulate the flow behavior of the metal and the shaping during pressing. This helps to identify and eliminate potential problems in the shaping process before physical prototypes are created. Prototypes are then manufactured to test the design and functionality.
Tool and die production: Once the design has been finalized, special tools and dies are produced. These tools must be very precise in order to guarantee the required tolerances and the complexity of the end product.
Material preparation: The metal used for the part, typically in the form of wire or bar stock, is cut and prepared to the exact size of the blank required.
Cold extrusion: The actual pressing process takes place when the metal blank is inserted into the press and the punch is pressed through the die at high pressure. The metal "flows" into the shape of the die and forms the desired part.
Heat treatment and surface finishing: After pressing, some parts may require heat treatment to improve their mechanical properties. In addition, surface finishes such as grinding, polishing or coating can be carried out to increase corrosion resistance or improve the aesthetic quality.
Quality control: The finished part is subjected to strict quality control to ensure that it meets the design specifications and quality standards. This includes physical, chemical and visual inspections.
Logistics and delivery: After approval by quality control, the parts are packaged and delivered to the customer or the next production stage.
This process combines advanced manufacturing techniques with precision engineering to produce high-quality coldformed parts that can be used in a variety of applications.
Your individual coldformed part from Schuhl
Would you like to have a customized coldformed part produced and are you looking for a reliable manufacturer at your side? Schuhl & Co. GmbH from Winterberg has specialized in the production of high-precision coldformed parts for many years. Send us a no-obligation enquiry about your project and benefit from our many years of experience.
