What is Cold Working in Welding?

Cold working is the process of permanently deforming a metal below its lowest temperature of recrystallization, resulting in work hardening. This distortion can be achieved by various methods, including rolling, drawing, hammering, and stamping. Cold working welds can increase the strength of the joint while also improving its appearance. However, cold working can also decrease the ductility of the metal, making it more susceptible to cracking.

Why is it called cold welding?

The term “cold welding” is a bit of a misnomer, as the process actually involves deforming the metal at temperatures below its recrystallization point. However, this temperature is still above freezing, so the metal is not actually welded in the cold.

What are the benefits of cold working?

There are several benefits to cold working welds, including:

increased strength,
improved appearance,
and increased resistance to corrosion.

Cold working can also be used to repair damaged welds or to improve the properties of existing welds.

What are the drawbacks of cold working?

The main drawback of cold working is that it can decrease the ductility of the metal, making it more susceptible to cracking. Cold working can also cause the metal to lose some of its corrosion resistance.

What causes cold welding?

Cold working occurs when the metal is deformed at temperatures below its recrystallization point. This can be caused by various methods, including rolling, drawing, hammering, and stamping.