Cold forming (also called cold forging or coining is a process where material is transformed into new shapes at room temperate in high-tonnage presses. Using a combination of metal preform, special tooling and mechanical presses, unique complex components can be formed.
Where cold heading is typically used to produce bolts/rivets etc, at NETFORM is used to produce powertrain components such as planetary carriers and splined hubs.
One of the major benefits of this process is work hardening. This strength increase allows the thinning down of equivalent stamping or forging cross sections, saving weight while at the same time not impacting strength. Alternatively, for the same packaging constraints, a stronger part can be produced.
Additionally this work hardening can also allow the elimination of hardening heat treatments. Part surface quality is such that often the surfaces can be used as-formed. This forming process allows variable part cross-sections. This, in-turn, provides opportunities for part consolidation.
Cold formed components at NETFORM are formed by taking metal preforms and extruding them in knuckle joint presses. This form of extrusion activity allows the parts to be designed with varying cross-sections.
The forming process allows features to be provided in the component as-formed. This often results in the elimination of additional machining processes.
The movement of the material during the press-based forming stroke results in cold working and grain refinement. This often results in the elimination of an additional heat treating process.
See how NETFORM streamlined cost and efficiency through a redesigned cold forming process.
The NETFORM approach can help you reduce emissions, improve performance and drive profitability.
