Metal stamping makes metal parts by using a stamping press to press a metal sheet into the needed shape. In this process, the sheet metal is put into a stamping tool called a die, and pressure is placed on the die with a stamping press. This makes the sheet metal take the shape of the dies. Metal stamping can make many different things, like car body panels, cooking tools, and electronic parts. This method is mainly used for large production runs because the cost per part is low compared to other methods.
Metal stamping process
Here is a general overview of the metal stamping process:
Design: The first step in the metal stamping process is to create a plan for producing the parts. The method will include the parts’ size, shape, and material specifications.
Die creation: A die must be created to stamp the parts. A die is a specialized tool that is used to shape metal parts. It is typically made of high-grade steel and is designed to withstand the high pressures of stamping.
Material selection and preparation: The next step is to select the sheet metal used to make the parts. The sheet metal is typically cut to size and then cleaned to remove contaminants that could affect the stamping process.
Stamping: The sheet metal is placed into the die, and the stamping press is used to apply pressure to the die. The pressure forces the sheet metal into the shape of the die, creating the finished part.
Quality control: Once the pieces have been stamped, they are inspected to ensure they meet the required specifications. Any claims that do not meet the specifications are typically discarded.
Finishing: Finishing is the final step in the metal stamping process. This may include painting, plating, or heat treating.
Where is Metal Stamping used?
Metal stamping is used in a wide range of industries to produce a variety of parts and components. Some examples of industries that use metal stamping include
Automotive: Metal stamping is used to manufacture a wide range of features for the automotive industry, including car body panels, engine components, and transmission parts.
Aerospace: Metal stamping produces parts for airplanes, helicopters, and other aircraft.
Electronics: The metal stamping process often produces electronic components such as connectors and switches.
Medical: Metal stamping has a range of medical devices, including surgical and implantable devices.
Construction: The metal stamping process has parts for the construction industry, including roofing materials and framing components.
Appliances: Metal stamping produces parts for various household appliances, including stoves, refrigerators, and washing machines.
This is just a tiny sampling of the many industries that use metal stamping. The process is highly versatile and can produce many application parts and components.
What are the four types of metal stamping?
There are many different metal stamping processes, and it is difficult to classify them into just a few categories. However, here are four common types of metal stamping:
Progressive stamping: This is a type of metal stamping in which a strip of metal is fed through a series of stamping stations, each of which performs a specific operation on the part. Progressive stamping often produces parts with complex shapes or multiple features.
Deep drawing: This is a type of metal stamping in which a sheet metal blank is formed into a hollow part by stretching the metal over a punch. Deep drawing often produces parts with a high depth-to-diameter ratio, such as fuel tanks or cooking pots.
Transfer stamping: This is a type of metal stamping in which the metal is transferred from one stamping station to another using a series of transfer tools. Transfer stamping often produces parts with multiple features or complex shapes that cannot be produced using a single stamping die.
Fineblanking: This is a specialized type of metal stamping used to produce parts with very tight tolerances and a high surface finish. Fineblanking is often used to produce parts for the automotive and aerospace industries.
What are the advantages of metal stamping?
There are many advantages to using the metal stamping process, including:
Cost-effective: Metal stamping is a cost-effective manufacturing process, particularly for large production runs. The cost per part decreases as the quantity of parts increases, making metal stamping a good choice for high-volume production.
Fast: The metal stamping process is fast, with production rates of up to 1,000 parts per minute possible using modern equipment.
Versatile: Metal stamping can produce a wide range of parts in various shapes, sizes, and materials.
High precision: Modern metal stamping equipment can produce parts with very tight tolerances, making it a good choice for applications requiring precise dimensions.
Automated: Many metal stamping operations can be automated, further reducing costs and improving production efficiency.
Strong and durable: Parts produced using the metal stamping process are strong and durable, making them suitable for use in a variety of applications.
Overall, the metal stamping process is a fast, cost-effective, and reliable way to produce high-quality metal parts in large quantities.
Which tool is used for stamping?
In the metal stamping process, a tool known as a die is used to shape the metal parts. A die is a specialized tool designed to withstand the high pressures involved in stamping. It is typically made of high-grade steel and is custom-made for each specific part produced. The die has a cavity in the shape of the desired position, and when the sheet metal is placed in the die, and the stamping press is activated, the pressure forces the sheet metal into the shape of the die, creating the finished part.
Two main types of dies are used in the metal stamping process: single-stage dies and progressive dies. Single-stage dies to produce parts with a single feature, such as a simple flat or curved shape. Progressive dies are used to produce parts with multiple features or complex shapes. They consist of a series of stamping stations, each of which performs a specific operation on the part as it is being formed.
Get a professional metal stamper to help you
Do you need custom metal stamping?
Before choosing a business to handle your custom metal stamping needs, you should do your homework. To find out which company offers the best quality, pricing, delivery time, and service request estimate from several different businesses. Ask Tripar Inc. to learn more about the skills and experience of a metal stamper.
