Kylmäkaappausta

Kylmäkaappausta, known in English as cold bending or cold forming, is a metal fabrication process where metal is shaped without the application of external heat. This is typically achieved by using mechanical force, such as rollers, presses, or specialized bending machines. The material's inherent ductility allows it to deform plastically and retain its new shape once the forming force is removed.

This technique is widely used for creating curved or angled metal components. Common applications include bending pipes, tubes, structural beams, and sheet metal into various profiles for construction, automotive, and manufacturing industries. The advantages of cold bending include precise control over the final dimensions, a smooth surface finish that often requires less post-processing, and the avoidance of material property changes that can occur with heating.

However, cold bending is limited by the material's ductility and thickness. If the bending radius is too small or the material is too thick or brittle, it can lead to cracking or failure. The process also induces work hardening in the metal, which increases its strength and hardness but can reduce its ductility. Specialized tooling and careful control of the bending process are crucial to achieve successful cold-formed parts and avoid defects.