Crimping is joining two pieces of metal

Metal

A metal , is an element, compound, or alloy that is a good conductor of both electricity and heat. Metals are usually malleable and shiny, that is they reflect most of incident light...

 or other malleable material by deforming one or both of them to hold the other. The bend or deformity is called the crimp.

Uses

Crimping is most extensively used in metalworking

Metalworking

Metalworking is the process of working with metals to create individual parts, assemblies, or large scale structures. The term covers a wide range of work from large ships and bridges to precise engine parts and delicate jewelry. It therefore includes a correspondingly wide range of skills,...

. Crimping is commonly used to join bullet

Bullet

A bullet is a projectile propelled by a firearm, sling, or air gun. Bullets do not normally contain explosives, but damage the intended target by impact and penetration...

s to their cartridge cases, and for rapid but lasting electrical connector

Electrical connector

An electrical connector is an electro-mechanical device for joining electrical circuits as an interface using a mechanical assembly. The connection may be temporary, as for portable equipment, require a tool for assembly and removal, or serve as a permanent electrical joint between two wires or...

s. Because it can be a cold-working technique, crimping can also be used to form a strong bond between the workpiece and a non-metallic component. Sometimes, a similar deformity created for reasons other than forming a join may also be called a crimp.