Introduction to Cold-Headed Sleeve Parts
Cold-headed sleeve parts are cylindrical hollow components manufactured via cold heading, a forging process that shapes metal at room temperature without heating. This method uses high-pressure dies to deform raw material (typically wire or rod) into precise sleeve geometries, including outer diameters, inner bores, and flanges.
Unlike machining, cold heading minimizes material waste by reshaping rather than cutting, making it cost-effective for mass production. The process enhances material strength through work hardening, improving tensile and wear resistance-critical for sleeves in high-stress applications.
Common materials include carbon steel, stainless steel, and aluminum, chosen for their ductility and compatibility with cold forming. Tolerances of ±0.05mm are achievable, ensuring consistent fit in assemblies.
Applications span automotive (fuel line sleeves), construction (fastener spacers), and electronics (cable protectors). Cold-headed sleeves offer advantages like faster production cycles, superior mechanical properties, and reduced post-processing, making them ideal for industries requiring reliable, high-volume components.