A cold heading machine is a forming machine that uses the principle of metal plasticity to apply pressure to a metal blank at room temperature, causing plastic deformation to produce parts with desired shapes and dimensions. As a specialized machine for mass-producing fasteners such as nuts and bolts, it occupies an irreplaceable position in modern manufacturing.

Different station configurations of cold heading machines exhibit significant differences in forming capabilities, covering a wide range from basic standard parts to advanced custom-shaped components. This article systematically outlines the processing scope of cold heading machines by product category and equipment suitability, providing a reference for production selection.

Standard Fasteners – The Core Products of Cold Heading Machines

1. Bolts

Bolts are among the largest product categories processed by cold heading machines. The machine can produce bolts with various head styles:

• Hexagon head bolts: standard hexagon head bolts, flange head bolts

• Socket head bolts: socket head cap screws, flat/oval countersunk socket head bolts

• Square neck / special neck bolts: carriage bolts

• Special head bolts: T‑head / hammer head bolts, eye bolts/clevis bolts, stud bolts

• Non‑standard special bolts: custom‑designed stepped bolts, perforated bolts, eccentric bolts, and other complex fasteners made to customer drawings.

2. Nuts

Nuts are another major product category for cold heading machines. The range of nut types that can be produced is extremely rich:

• Hexagon nuts: the most basic type, including standard, thin, and thick hexagon nuts.

• Flange nuts: nuts with an integrated washer at the base, available in plain or serrated (anti‑slip) versions.

• Nylon insert lock nuts: self‑locking nuts for anti‑loosening applications; the cold heading process provides a recess for the nylon ring.

• Weld nuts: special nuts for spot‑welding to sheet metal, including hexagon weld nuts, square weld nuts, etc.

• Cap nuts: closed at one end, mainly used for thread protection or aesthetic purposes.

• Round nuts and inserts: such as knurled inserts for injection molding, bearing round nuts, etc.

• Blind hole and special‑shaped nuts: custom‑cold‑headed stepped or asymmetrical internally threaded connectors made to customer drawings.

3. Screws

Screws are among the highest‑volume products produced daily on cold heading machines:

• Machine screws: used for assembly of mechanical equipment.

• Self‑tapping screws: can form threads directly in metal or plastic.

• Wood screws: used for joining wood.

• Set screws: used to fix the position of parts.

4. Rivets and Pins

Rivets and pins are traditional strengths of the cold heading process:

• Rivets: solid rivets, semi‑tubular rivets, hollow rivets, blind rivets (pop rivets), stepped rivets, pierce rivets.

• Pins: dowel pins, taper pins, clevis pins, cotter pins, needle rollers.

Special-Shaped Parts and Complex Components

1. Shaft-Type Parts

Cold heading machines can produce stepped shafts, gear shafts, spline shafts, etc., forming shoulders, bosses, and other features through upsetting. These are widely used in motor shafts, drive shafts, and similar applications.

2. Sleeves and Tubular Parts

Hollow sleeves, bearing rings, connector sleeves, and other tubular components can be manufactured, suitable for hydraulic elements, pneumatic parts, and other scenarios with high precision requirements.

3. Complex Head Parts

Parts with special head configurations, such as T-heads, flanged heads, and stepped heads, can be produced, commonly found in electronic equipment and medical devices.

Comparison Table of Cold Heading Machine Models and Applicable Fastener Types