Common Materials Used in Cold Heading: Steel, Brass, Aluminum
Steel, brass, and aluminum are the three most widely used raw materials for cold heading forming, with obvious differences in ductility, mechanical performance, cost and application scenarios. Carbon and stainless steel feature high tensile strength and wear resistance, suitable for heavy-load structural fasteners, though extra anti-rust surface treatment is required for ordinary carbon steel. Brass boasts superior plasticity, smooth forming surface and excellent electrical conductivity, ideal for miniature conductive terminals and decorative hardware, yet its mechanical load capacity is limited. Aluminum alloy stands out for ultra-light weight and outstanding heat dissipation, matching the lightweight trend of new energy and 3C electronics, while its low hardness restricts use in high-strength bearing parts. Material selection depends on product load requirements, weight limits, conductivity demands and production budget, and each metal also needs matched cold heading lubrication and post-CNC machining processes to lower scrap rates.
