Cold extrusion - what it is, its history, how it is done, its economics, and its design possibilities and limitations - is the subject of this paper. Forward and backward extrusion are discussed as well as the steps taken towards the production of small extrusions. Screw machines, seamless tubing, forging, casting, and stamping are all considered both in their separate functions and with regard to their advantages and disadvantages. The appendix illustrates desirable and/or undesirable features of many possible types and combinations of extrusions.
