Near Net Shape

Near Net Shape refers to a manufacturing principle in which a component is shaped as closely as possible to its final geometry during the actual manufacturing process. This allows subsequent processing steps to be reduced or – depending on the geometry and requirements – in some cases avoided entirely.

Cold forming is particularly well-suited to near-net-shape manufacturing, as the material is specifically shaped into the desired geometry through forming, rather than removing excess material by machining. This enables high material utilisation and can lead to cost-effective manufacturing processes, particularly for large production volumes.

At MN Kaltformteile, this principle is used to produce component geometries as far as possible through the forming process alone.

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Near-net-shape in cold forming
Near Net Shape: Questions and answers

Near-net-shape in cold forming

In cold forming, a defined section of material is plastically deformed by compressive forces and gradually shaped into the desired component geometry. Unlike machining manufacturing processes, the geometry is thus created predominantly by forming the existing material rather than by removing material.

Through appropriate component and process design, features such as diameters, shoulders, flanges, bores or other contours can be produced to near-final dimensions during the forming process itself. Subsequent machining operations are then only required where certain geometries, tolerances or surface finish requirements cannot be achieved economically through cold forming.

This can reduce material usage and the extent of post-processing. Particularly for high production volumes, near-net-shape manufacturing can thus offer both economic and resource-related advantages.

MN Kaltformteile combines cold forming with targeted machining operations as required. In this way, as large a proportion of the component’s geometry as possible can be formed in a material-efficient manner, with machining carried out only where technically necessary.

Near Net Shape: Questions and answers

What does ‘Near Net Shape’ mean?

‘Near Net Shape’ refers to the manufacture of a component as close as possible to its final geometry. The aim is to reduce subsequent machining steps and the associated material and manufacturing costs.
Why is cold extrusion suitable for near net shape?

In cold extrusion, the material used is plastically deformed into the desired component geometry. Unlike in machining, the shape is thus created predominantly by material flow rather than by material removal. This allows many geometries to be produced with high material utilisation, close to the final contours.
What geometries can be produced using near-net-shape manufacturing?

Depending on the material, component geometry and forming process, various diameters, steps, flanges, bores and other contours can, for example, be produced during the cold forming process itself. Which geometries can be produced economically must be assessed on a case-by-case basis for each component.
What advantages does near-net-shape production offer over machining?

As the component geometry is created predominantly through forming rather than material removal, near-net-shape manufacturing can enable higher material utilisation and reduce the amount of subsequent machining required. This can result in economic and resource-related benefits, particularly for high production volumes.
Is no post-processing required with Near Net Shape?

No. Near Net Shape does not necessarily mean that a component is manufactured entirely without post-processing. Depending on the geometry, tolerances, surface requirements and function, additional machining steps may be required. The aim is to achieve the required final geometry as closely as possible through forming alone and to limit the remaining post-processing to what is technically necessary.

Near Net Shape

Near-net-shape in cold forming

Near Net Shape: Questions and answers

What does ‘Near Net Shape’ mean?

Why is cold extrusion suitable for near net shape?

What geometries can be produced using near-net-shape manufacturing?

What advantages does near-net-shape production offer over machining?

Is no post-processing required with Near Net Shape?