Cold heading services offer a fast, cost-effective way to produce high-strength parts with minimal waste. At Abbott Interfast, we manufacture custom cold-formed fasteners with precision and consistency, using advanced multi-die equipment and decades of expertise.
Cold Heading Services
Cold heading, also known as cold forming, is a manufacturing process that shapes metal into finished fasteners by applying force at room temperature with no heat required. This method is ideal for creating high-volume, high-strength parts like bolts, screws, and pins with tight tolerances and excellent surface finish.
At Abbott Interfast, we provide cold heading services from our Chicago-area facility, producing both standard and custom cold-formed fasteners for manufacturers across the Midwest and the US.
Using advanced equipment and strict quality systems, we deliver consistent, cost-effective results at a production scale.
Abbott Materials for Cold-Formed Fasteners
To meet the demands of diverse applications, Abbott Interfast manufactures cold-headed and cold-formed fasteners using a wide range of metals.
Our materials include aluminum, copper, carbon steel, stainless steel, brass, nickel, tin, lead, and silver, each chosen for its specific performance characteristics like strength or conductivity.
Whether you’re producing electrical components, automotive fasteners, or aerospace parts, our cold heading services ensure reliable results with materials that match your exact specifications.
Applications and Industries for Cold Heading
Numerous industries rely on cold heading services for applications that rely on precision-formed components at scale. Industries we serve include all of the following and more:
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Aircrafts/Boats
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Appliances
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Oil and Gas Supply
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Furniture
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Medical
Manufacturers nationwide turn to our cold-formed fasteners for their performance in demanding environments.
Cold Heading Capabilities and Equipment
Abbott Interfast offers a full range of cold heading capabilities to produce custom fasteners and precision-formed components with speed and accuracy. Our cold heading services support both simple and complex geometries, with equipment that can handle high-volume production.
Our cold heading capabilities include:
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Multi-Station Cold Forming
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Threading
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Pointing
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Knurling
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Roll Forming
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Grooving
We also offer our drilling, tapping, trimming, cross-drilling, slotting, and shaving services that are trusted across our network of Chicago-area partners.
Cold Heading Secondaries and Finishing Options
Our cold heading services go beyond forming. We also handle essential secondary operations to ensure your cold-formed fasteners are ready for end-use.
These processes include plating, anodizing, painting, and waxing to enhance corrosion-resistance and appearance. For added performance, we offer nylon patching, adhesive applications, and pellet insertion.
We also provide heat-treating and annealing to meet specific strength and hardness requirements. These value-added services allow us to deliver fully finished components that meet your exact specifications, all from one trusted source.
Since 1948 Abbott has supplied efficiencies and turn-key products for our customers by handling all the secondary operations for various parts. Abbott takes your secondaries problems away due to our in-house operations and partnership with the best of the large Chicago area suppliers of secondary processes.
Why Choose Abbott Interfast for Cold Heading?
Abbott Interfast combines over 75 years of manufacturing experience with a focus on precision, efficiency, and customer service. Our cold heading facility is equipped to handle both prototyping and full-scale production runs, with short lead times and strict quality control every step of the way.
We work closely with engineers, buyers, and OEMs to deliver custom fasteners that meet exact technical requirements. As an ISO 9001-certified and ITAR-registered company, we’re trusted by industries that can’t afford to cut corners.
Request a Quote for Cold Heading Services
Get fast, reliable cold heading services from a US manufacturer you can rely on time and time again. Abbott Interfast produces the custom cold-formed fasteners near you that your operations have been needing.
Receive full support, from prototype to production, and request a quote today.
Cold Heading FAQs
What’s the difference between cold heading and hot forging?
Cold heading shapes metal at room temperature using pressure, while hot forging requires high heat to form parts. Cold heading services offer better dimensional control, surface finish, and material efficiency, making them ideal for producing cold-formed fasteners in high volumes.
Can you use cold heading for complex part geometries?
Yes. With multi-die and multi-station cold heading equipment, Abbott Interfast can form complex shapes and detailed features, reducing the need for machining or additional processing.
Is cold heading suitable for high-strength fasteners?
Cold heading actually improves the strength of the metal by work hardening during the forming process. This makes it an excellent choice for producing high-strength custom fasteners in numerous industries.
Do you provide prototyping for custom cold-formed fasteners?
Yes. Abbott Interfast offers prototyping services for cold-formed fasteners, allowing you to test fit, function, and performance before committing to full production. Our team works closely with your engineering and procurement teams to fine-tune specifications.