Custom Cold Headed Parts | Bolt, Rivet, Fastener Manufacturer

Cold heading is the process of cold forming material by applying force to a metal blank with a punch and die. When the material’s yield strength is exceeded, it causes the material to flow, taking on the shape of the die.

When compared to machining, Bigelow’s cold forming process produces small precision metal parts, such as electronic components, contacts, contact rivets, electrodes and miniature components better, cheaper and faster. And, if your custom component falls into one of those hard-to-describe categories (we call those parts “widgets”), give us a call and let our “find-a-way” approach provide you with a comprehensive solution. Custom precision metal parts are our specialty.

The resulting cold headed parts have greater tensile strength and improved resistance to shock and fatigue. They cost less because the production is faster and requires less labor, with scrap that is virtually non-existent. That’s because material isn’t removed, as with machining, it’s re-shaped.

Cold Heading Company - Bigelow’s cold heading department produces custom precision metal parts that are smaller and more precise. It’s this kind of precision craftsmanship that enables Bigelow to produce extreme dimensional ratios and various head shapes: square, rectangular, octagonal, conical, diamond, and free form. Our multiple station equipment also enables the production of greater-than-normal head volumes and configurations.

Heading Capabilities

Bigelow Components has single-die, multi-die and progressive heading machines with capabilities of .015 to .475 wire diameters and able to hold tolerances of .001 of an inch.