Barton Cold Form, an Optimas Company, provide UK and European OEMs and Tiers with high strength, quality standard and bespoke fasteners using cold form production, supported by expert engineering, design and quality capabilities.
We sat down with Sean Young, Tooling Development Manager at Barton Cold Form to find out more about their processes and the detail behind their success producing quality fasteners.
Can you talk to us about the cold forging process at Barton Cold Form?
The forging process is complex, but with dedication and over 90 years of experience, we’ve managed to master it.
Barton Cold Form specialises in high-quality tooling and forging processes. Many of our parts are forged directly from the machine, ensuring superior strength and durability. Some components, like bolts and studs, undergo additional threading and finishing to meet precise specifications.
Our capabilities extend to an array of forging techniques, including crash trimming, precision shaping and gear work. These processes require complex tooling, but through experience and innovation, we have refined our techniques, producing millions of high-quality components. We’re in an industry that requires precision, innovation, and problem-solving—qualities that have made Barton Cold Form successful.
How important are design and engineering capabilities when it comes to manufacturing high-quality fasteners?
Design plays a critical role in what we do. Our team specialises in designing and engineering components, ensuring that every part functions optimally. At Barton Cold Form, our design engineering capabilities have evolved significantly, allowing us to create intricate, high-performance parts.
As a designer, I oversee many aspects of production, working closely with the tool room to make sure our machines run efficiently. In my 27 years here, I’ve been involved in designing and manufacturing a wide range of parts, each presenting unique challenges and learning opportunities.
How do Barton Cold Form handle complex extrusion and precision machining in forged components?
Extrusions are a significant part of our production. Some components undergo heavy extrusion rates, combined with upsetting to achieve their final form. These processes require careful material control and precision engineering.
We specialize in components with intricate internal features, such as piercing work and forged holes. For example, valve spring retainers used in engines require highly precise manufacturing. Due to their thin structure, manufacturing them demands expertise and well-developed tooling strategies.
Can you talk about the range of forged parts you are capable of manufacturing at Barton Cold Form?
Our expertise extends across various shapes, sizes, and materials. We work with stainless steel, exotic alloys and aluminium, each presenting its own forging challenges. Despite the complexities, we have successfully developed methods to handle these materials effectively.
Some of our more intricate parts feature offset holes, oval designs and other unique geometries. While forging these shapes can be challenging, our experience allows us to achieve consistent, high-quality results.
Can you provide some details on the type of specialised components you can produce?
Certain parts require additional machining after forging. For example, we often incorporate features such as ribs, machined grooves, or post-process flats. Banjo bolts, commonly used in fluid systems, undergo cross-drilling and precision groove machining to meet strict torque specifications.
We also manufacture specialised components, such as torque breakers, which are designed to snap under a specific load, preventing unauthorised disassembly. These require precise engineering to ensure reliability in real-world applications.
Can you produce a variety of sized parts, or do you predominately produce smaller components?
No, our capabilities extend to both large and small components. With our latest Nedschroef machine, we can produce under head lengths up to 170mm with M16 threading. Conversely, we also manufacture extremely small parts which require high extrusion rates and meticulous processing.
Developing efficient processes for such a wide range of component sizes has been a significant achievement, allowing us to serve diverse industries with varying needs.
Talk us through the team at Barton Cold Form. What makes you stand out from other fastener manufacturers?
Experience is at the core of our success. Many of us have been with the company for decades, developing expertise that allows us to push the boundaries of forging. Our tool room is equipped with state-of-the-art machinery, including EDM machines, spark erosion systems, mini mills and heat treatment facilities.
At our core, we are problem-solvers. Many customers approach us when other manufacturers cannot meet their requirements, and we take pride in finding solutions. Our team thrives on challenges, often working with complex upset and extrusion ratios that may seem impossible on paper.
When customers face urgent production challenges, we can design, manufacture and implement new tools within 24 hours. This rapid response capability sets us apart, ensuring that we can help customers overcome production hurdles efficiently.
Through innovation and determination, we’ve achieved remarkable results. Some of our most intricate parts may look simple at first glance, but they require extensive engineering and manufacturing expertise to produce successfully.
Our work is driven by passion, experience and a relentless commitment to quality. The ability to take on complex projects and deliver outstanding results is what makes this industry exciting. It’s not just about forging parts—it’s about pushing the limits of engineering and creating solutions that others deem unachievable. This is why I love what I do, and why I’m proud to be part of this team.
Learn more about Barton Cold Form here.
