If you're in the business of manufacturing fasteners, automotive components, or precision hardware, heading machines are the quiet workhorses behind your production line. Choosing one isn’t just about specs — it’s about knowing how that machine will fit into your daily operations, what it can handle, and whether it will last. Here's what you need to know.

What are Heading Machines Used for?

Cold heading machines are primarily used to form metal parts, especially bolts, screws, rivets, and pins by applying extreme force to metal wire at room temperature. Instead of removing material (as in machining), heading reshapes it, conserving material while enhancing structural integrity.

▪ In practice, cold heading is preferred for:

▪ Producing high-strength fasteners with excellent grain flow

▪ High-speed manufacturing with minimal scrap

▪ Creating consistent part dimensions suitable for automation and large-scale assembly lines

If you work in automotive, construction hardware, aerospace components, or electronics, chances are cold heading already plays a central role in your supply chain.

Types of Heading Machines and How they Differ

Not all heading machines are built the same. The type you choose depends on your part geometry, production volume, and required precision.

Single-Die, Single-Blow Machines

▪ The simplest format — one blow per part.

▪ Ideal for basic shapes and lower output needs.

Double-Blow Headers

▪ Include an extra forming step for better part definition.

▪ Useful for more complex head shapes or improved tolerances.

Multi-Die, Multi-Blow Machines

▪ Multiple dies and punches work in sequence.

▪ Suitable for high-volume production of intricate parts (e.g., shoulder bolts, multi-diameter fasteners).

Part Former or Progressive Headers

▪ Offer flexibility in part design.

▪ Combine heading with upsetting, extrusion, and trimming in one line.

When comparing types, always ask: how complex are the parts you want to form, and how many do you need per shift?

Which Materials can the Machine Handle?

Cold heading works best with materials that offer high ductility and good cold formability. The most commonly used include:

▪ Low and medium carbon steel – common in general fasteners

▪ Stainless steel – corrosion-resistant and strong, though tougher to form

▪ Aluminum and its alloys – lightweight and easy to head

▪ Brass and copper alloys – used in electronics and plumbing hardware

That said, not every heading machine handles every material equally well. Factors to consider include:

▪ Required tonnage (harder materials need more forming force)

▪ Die design and surface coatings for abrasive metals

▪ Lubrication system to reduce tool wear and friction

▪ Before purchasing, confirm that the machine is tested or certified for your specific wire type and diameter range.

What about Maintenance and Spare Parts?

Even the best heading machine will experience wear over time — especially in high-volume environments. This is where support and design play a huge role.

Key maintenance concerns include

▪ Die and punch wear — frequent in multi-shift operations

▪ Lubrication systems — must stay clean and well-regulated

▪ Wire feeding and cutting systems — crucial for consistent part dimensions

What to ask your supplier

▪ Are spare parts readily available in your region?

▪ Are tool changes easy or do they require skilled technicians?

▪ Is predictive maintenance or remote diagnostics offered?

A well-designed cold header with modular components and solid supplier support will save you days — or weeks — of costly downtime over the machine’s lifetime.

What Safety Features are Included?

A fast-moving heading machine is no place for oversight. Safety isn’t just about compliance — it protects your team, your tooling, and your bottom line.

Modern cold heading machines often include:

▪ Interlocked guards and emergency stop systems

▪ Automatic jam detection to stop feeding when misalignment occurs

▪ Load monitoring to catch punch failure or tool breakage

▪ Enclosed lubrication systems to prevent exposure

If you’re installing in a plant with strict health and safety protocols, be sure to ask for certifications (like CE or ISO) and check for compliance with local safety regulations.

How Reliable Is WXING?

With so many suppliers on the market, choosing one often comes down to trust. WXING has built its reputation not only on precision manufacturing, but on understanding what machine operators, engineers, and plant managers actually deal with on the ground.

What sets WXING apart:

▪ Consistent performance under high-speed, high-load conditions

▪ Thoughtful design that makes tool changes and maintenance faster

▪ In-house support teams with fast turnaround for technical queries

▪ Global delivery with spare parts, setup assistance, and training

Whether you’re producing simple hex bolts or multi-stage automotive fasteners, WXING cold heading machines are designed to keep your line moving, and your costs under control.