Kylmämuotoillut

Kylmämuotoillut, or cold-formed, refers to a manufacturing process where metal is shaped at or near room temperature. This process is distinct from hot-forming, which involves heating the metal to make it more pliable. Cold-forming is often used for materials like steel, aluminum, and copper.

The primary advantage of cold-forming is its ability to produce components with high dimensional accuracy and excellent surface finish. Because the metal is worked below its recrystallization temperature, internal stresses are introduced, which can increase the material's strength and hardness through a process known as work hardening. This makes cold-formed parts more durable and resistant to wear.

Common cold-forming techniques include cold rolling, cold drawing, cold forging, and extrusion. Cold rolling is used to produce sheets, plates, and bars with precise dimensions. Cold drawing thins and lengthens rods and wires. Cold forging shapes metal by compressive forces, often used for fasteners like bolts and nuts. Cold extrusion pushes metal through a die to create complex shapes.

While cold-forming offers superior mechanical properties and precision, it requires more force than hot-forming and is generally limited to simpler shapes and thinner materials. The work hardening effect can also make subsequent machining more difficult. Despite these limitations, cold-forming is a widely used and cost-effective method for producing a vast array of metal components used in industries ranging from automotive and aerospace to construction and consumer goods.