Cold heading (or cold forming) is a method of forming metal in progressive steps into net shaped or near net shaped parts. Starting with a slug, which is cut from a continuous coil of wire material; the cold heading machine uses a series of powerful hammers and dies to form a part.

Why does cold heading produce strong parts?

Cold-formed parts are stronger than screw machined parts for the following reasons: Working hardening – As metal is moved around during cold forming, it is work hardening each time it is struck. ... Therefore heading a stainless steel part will make it much stronger than screw machining it.

What does a header machine do?

Heading machines produce screws, semi-tubular and fully tubular rivets, bolts, special fasteners, and parts with very complex shapes starting from drawn wire in coils.