Cold forming

At the beginning of the production of drawing parts, we ask ourselves which machining process is gentle on the material and economically efficient for the desired element. The strengths of cold forming lie in precise and accurately fitting surface structures. This makes it particularly suitable for high-quality built-in systems with tight dimensional tolerances. At the same time, this type of production offers cost advantages, since comparatively little energy is required with only a small amount of heat input (through preheating). Cold-formed parts can be produced more quickly thanks to shorter throughput times. Strength increases with the degree of forming.

The material also plays an important role. The higher the basic strength of the material, the stronger the forming forces, so hot forming may be more suitable.

Advantages at a glance:

• narrow dimensional tolerances
• precise surface structures
• short throughput times
• cost advantages due to energy-saving production
• higher load capacity / permanent consolidation

During the forming process, the metal is plastically deformed (well below the recrystallization temperature) and subsequently retains the new shape structure. To avoid cracks and defects in the material during the structural change, it is not loaded beyond the material-specific tensile strength. The load limit varies depending on the material.

As a rule, all non-brittle metals as well as alloys are suitable for cold forming. The recrystallization temperature varies depending on the material, so that preheating must be used in some cases.

Hot forming differs from cold forming in that temperatures above the recrystallization temperature are used in these forming techniques.

While cold forming increases the strength (with a simultaneous reduction in ductility, elongation at fracture), hot forming causes only a slight change in strength and ductility on the formed component.

Due to the heat applied, the material can be formed much more easily, which means that only low forming forces are required in comparison to hot forming.

The complexity of the machines and systems in which our products are used is increasing. Components are being tailored to individual application areas and space conditions. 

At the same time, the basic strength and variety of materials are increasing, which often pushes the technology to its limits. The forming of copper, for example, is not successful for everyone, as the material is very soft and thus only capable of bearing low loads.

 It should be noted that cold forming also changes other material parameters and dimensions. For example, a higher strength after cold forming is accompanied by a reduction in ductility.

With our machinery, we at TIGGES are already prepared today for the challenges of tomorrow. We draw on decades of experience in the field of cold forming and know exactly how to implement your project intelligently.